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Material
For many decades, the sporting goods industry has been dependent on petroleum-based and thus environmentally harmful plastics. WINQS wants to radically change this with modern bio-based, recycled, compostable and above all high-performance materials.
BOTANICAL SUPERFIBERS
Lyocell
Ecologically grown eucalyptus trees are first processed into pulp, then into fibres and finally fabrics, which we use to make our sportswear. TENCEL™ Lyocell is significantly more environmentally friendly than viscose, which often releases hazardous chemicals in its manufacturing process. And of course it is also more ecological than polyester. No need for petroleum, significantly less energy input and above all no microplastics that dissolve during washing and pollute our water systems. Moreover, TENCEL™ Lyocell is biodegradable and therefore circular.
TENCEL™ Lyocell also has unique functional properties. It reduces the formation of bacteria, is anti-static and has an anti-allergenic effect. Lyocell is also naturally structured to perfectly control moisture transport. Submicroscopic channels between the fibrils of the cellulose fibres regulate the absorption and removal of moisture, keeping the body pleasantly cool and dry.
Castor Beans
PEBAX RNEW®
There is a good reason why plastics have established themselves as a standard solution, for example in the production of high-performance midsoles. EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate), TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) or TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) enable the production of particularly light, soft and temperature-resistant foams that ensure minimal weight and optimal cushioning, especially in running or other sports shoes. Unfortunately, such materials are made from petroleum and there are as yet no alternatives that can completely replace them.
In fact, however, there are renewable raw materials that, in combination with these conventional materials, can drastically reduce the need for petroleum. Castor seeds, for example, and the castor oil extracted from them. For our midsoles, we therefore use the functional foam PEBAX RNEW® - ultra-light, wonderfully cushioned and with a content of over 30% castor oil. In this way, we replace a significant part of the conventional plastic materials with renewable, ecologically grown material.
Polylactide
NILPLA®
Probably the best-known bio-based plastic substitute is sugar cane, or better bagasse. After harvesting, sugar cane is squeezed out in special mills to produce the juice needed to make sugar. What remains are dry, seemingly useless fibres called bagasse. When this material is mixed with water again, it becomes a pulp that can be used to make all kinds of products that would otherwise be made of petroleum-based plastic.
In addition to sugar cane, we also use other plant-based materials such as corn residues - for example, to manufacture our bottles or, in particular, our circular NILPLA® collection. This is - unlike conventional plastics - infinitely reusable through molecular recycling.
ALGENSCHAUM
Bloom™
Similar to castor seeds, algae can also be used as a substitute for conventional plastics. Since the materials produced from them differ in their chemical structure, they are in turn helpful in other functions. For example, as smart Bloom™ memory foam in our shoe insoles.
In contrast to castor oil seeds or sugar cane, the skimming of algae alone represents an important contribution to environmental protection. For one thing, algal blooms deprive bodies of water of oxygen - after a certain time, algae sink to the seabed, where they lack light for photosynthesis. As a result, the fish population declines and "dead zones" develop. In addition, algae often produce toxic gases that can be harmful to animals and humans. Global warming promotes the formation of algae worldwide, which is why their "harvesting" and utilization for other purposes is more than welcome.
RECYCLED RUBBER
Hybrid Rubber™
Rubber is and will remain the most efficient material from which the outsoles of demanding running shoes are made. Reliably non-slip and resistant to abrasion and extreme temperatures. Leather or TPU solutions do not come close to these properties. Unfortunately, rubber as vulcanised rubber is either extracted from the sap of tropical trees or produced synthetically with the help of petroleum. Both processes are not optimal for the environment.
Thanks to a collaboration with tire manufacturer Michelin, WINQS is the first sports brand in the world to use outsoles made from Hybrid Rubber™. In this new composite, 26% of the outsole mass is made from rubber waste generated during cutting processes that would otherwise end up in the trash. At the same time, the soles retain the grippy properties you've come to expect from high-quality sports soles.
RECYCLED MATERIALS
Ocean Plastic
Unfortunately, not all plastics can be replaced with renewable or compostable alternatives. In fact, it doesn't have to be. There are currently almost 300,000 tonnes of plastic waste floating around in our seven oceans, with catastrophic effects on plants and living creatures. So it is practically imperative to collect and recycle these recyclable materials immediately.
That's why we work together with the organisation Oceanworks™, which frees particularly polluted areas from ocean plastic and processes it into recyclable materials. We use these, for example, in the production of our bags - and not just for the bag bodies. For example, we also process high-quality Natulon zips from the company YKK, recycled from post-industrial plastic.
RESPONSIBLE COTTON
NILCOTT®
Although cotton is a renewable resource, it can still have a problematic impact on the environment. That's why we make our Responsible Cotton collection from recycled and organic fibers. Compared to 1 kg of conventional cotton, our NILCOTT® material thus saves 14,740 liters of water, 23 kg of CO2 emissions, 56 kWh of energy, 1.1 kg of chemicals and 10.5 m2 of floor space.
NILCOTT® is a fully circular material and enables the perfect cycle. As soon as it is worn out, we take it back for recycling and convert it back into usable textile fibers. Click here to visit our recycling partner.
WATER-SOLUBLE PACKAGING
Solubag
Packaging generates billions of tons of waste every year. Even biodegradable materials usually end up in landfills or incinerators. That's why we have teamed up with the company Solubag and developed several solutions, such as product bags or gymbags made from starch that dissolve in hot water. And without any hazardous residues.
We also use reusable shipping bags from Repack wherever possible. After receiving our goods, such a bag is simply folded, thrown into the letterbox and arrives at a central collection point for reuse.
Partners
