OUR FABRICS
About
At RAPID we believe that sustainable fashion is the future, and that's why we're committed to using eco-friendly and ethical materials to create our activewear. Our sustainable gym wear is made from a variety of sustainable fabrics, including recycled polyester, organic cotton, bamboo & recycled nylon.
These materials not only reduce our environmental impact but also offer superior quality and durability. We believe that every choice we make, from the fabrics we use to the partners we work with, can make a positive impact on the planet. Learn more about our sustainable fabrics and our commitment to sustainability by exploring this section.
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BAMBOO
Bamboo is the fastest growing plant in the world and uses 10% the amount of land as cotton to produce the same yield. Fabrics made using bamboo offer excellent ventilation thanks to the microscopic holes in bamboo fibres. This is why bamboo keeps you fresh and dry significantly longer. Bamboo also has a structure that repels moisture, meaning it wicks away moisture quickly!
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Another great advantage is the unparalleled softness of bamboo textiles and excellent comfort offered. Also bamboo fabrics have several insulating properties that influence heat exchange. Bamboo fabrics make you feel fresh in warm weather while also providing protection against the chill of a cold day.
Other benefits of bamboo are that it is hypoallergenic, provides UV protection and is sweat resistant!
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Arguably the most important benefit of bamboo is that it is eco-friendly. Essentially it has a positive impact on environmental concerns such as water scarcity, deforestation, soil erosion and greenhouse effect. Bamboo is by far the most sustainable textile available.
RECYCLED POLYESTER
Recycled polyester (rPET) uses PET as a raw material which is often found in water bottles. To turn these bottles into the material, the plastic is sterilised and crushed. It is then spun into a string of yarn which can be transformed into a fibre and then blended into a fabric.
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Polyester accounts for over half the fibre used in the textile and apparel industry, so replacing it with a recycled alternative is instantly better at reducing the dependency on fossil fuels.
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Secondly recycled polyester helps reduce the seismic waste in the fashion industry that sees over 48 million mt of clothes disposed annually. It is an intuitive way to find value in waste and encourages positive recycling behaviours.
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Another benefit is that it has a smaller carbon footprint than virgin polyester. A 2017 study found that rPET generates 79% less carbon emissions than producing it's virgin counterpart.
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Transforming plastic into fabric is one way to help minimalise the 8 milion tons of plastic that end up in our oceans every year. This can help to protect marine ecosystems and underwater wildlife that is often endangered by plastic pollution.
ORGANIC COTTON
The intensive production methods used in traditional cotton farming are pollutive to our oceans, rivers and water supplies. This is the same water that we drink, bathe in, and source food from. Organic farming is better because hazardous synthetic pesticides and fertilisers are banned, so fewer harmful chemicals end up in the water. Some farms may even use innovative closed loop systems to eliminate waste entirely. Not only that, organic farming fosters healthier soil, which acts like a sponge, soaking up water during floods and holding it for longer in times of drought.
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Conventional cotton alone is responsible for around 15% of all insecticides sold worldwide and the toxic effects of pesticides on bees alone, one of nature’s most important pollinators, has doubled in a decade. Organic farmers use natural methods to control pests and diseases, like trap crops. By using these gentler methods, there are fewer harmful effects on the ecosystem and also the people handling the crops.
RECYCLED NYLON
Recycled nylon is sourced from pre and post-consumer waste, such as finishing nets, which means that recycled nylon can be good for cleansing the ocean of unwanted material and prevent adding more to it. Recycling also saves energy spent on manufacturing new virgin nylon.
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The main advantage of recycled nylon is that it can be recycled indefinitely. Compared to recycled polyester, this is a more circular option. The use of recycled nylon fabrics can significantly reduce CO2 emissions compared to virgin nylon.
