After the installation of WHOLEGARMENT flat knitting technology at Snow Peak the Japan-based knitwear manufacturer the company is producing high-quality collections that are friendly to both people and the environment.
Established in 1958, Snow Peak is regarded as a premier outdoor equipment manufacturer. With an emphasis on activities to protect the environment, the company began a partnership in July 2018 with Jeplan, Inc. (Japan Environment Planning), a company engaged in the development and production of recycled fibres and various recycling projects.
The Snow Peak launched its T-shirt in May 2019 Snow Peak as their first jointly developed product. The same year, HQ WHOLEGARMENT, which uses yarn spun from the company’s recycled polyester resin, was released as their second.
The Snow Peak ReCYCLE Project is a recycling process that collects tents and clothing, separates the polyester, refines it, spins it to form new yarn at the Jeplan factory, and begins new life as clothing at the Snow Peak factory. The raw material is used to produce WHOLEGARMENT knitwear three-dimensionally in one entire piece without waste. With a collective conscience among people who value resources, a sustainable and organic recycling system is achieved.
WHOLEGARMENT knitting technology uses only the necessary amount of yarn to produce each item of the garment that has to be stitched only. It says lots of cutting wastes in normal garment manufacturing. Snow Peak acquired WHOLEGARMENT knitting technology as there was no waste in the manufacturing process. An official of Snow Peak said the machine additionally offers ease in customizing the shape, size, and design.
Snow Peak reports it is very satisfied with the results from installing its WHOLEGARMENT knitting machine. “The fact that we can offer recycled products and show how they are manufactured has changed the way customers react,” the company says. “We believe that by showing the process that was previously hidden, more people may become more interested in recycling. The number of items being collected for recycling is actually increasing as well.”
The HQ WHOLEGARMENT collection is 100 percent polyester, easy to dry, and has a cotton-like texture. Because it is produced by WHOLEGARMENT knitting, it is also free of stress from seams touching the skin when worn. The company plans to expand sales with an overseas expansion in its sights.
Cutting scrap-free knitwear production
