You probably know Allbirds for *those* wool runners – sustainable trainers made from merino wool that also happen to be the most comfortable kicks in the world. You may have even rung up their Wool Hotline for natter during lockdown.
Now the brand is branching out into clothing for the very first time and the collection is just as innovative and eco-friendly as the shoes are. There are jumpers and cardigans made from the same merino wool as the trainers and a puffer jacket made from that wool along with TENCEL Lyocell, recycled polyester and recycled nylon. But it’s the new TrinoXO t-shirt that’s cool new kid on the block as features a brand new material that’s made from discarded crab shells. Yes, old bits of crustacean have been turned into a t-shirt.
A Japanese scientist first developed a fibre made from ground shells in 2016 but now Allbirds have created their own version, which they’re calling XO, that can be woven into its own fabric. Not only is it much more sustainable to use waste rather than raw materials, the fabric has antimicrobial properties meaning it needs less washing.
Allbirds is working with the Marine Stewardship Council to get the sustainability of those t-shirts certified and they’ve also put the carbon footprint of every single garment right there on the tag.