JanSport has announced the upcoming launch of the Recycled SuperBreak, the brand’s first backpack made with 100% recycled fabric. The launch marks yet another milestone in the brand’s quest to become a leader in sustainable backpack design and manufacturing. The new pack will be available beginning 1 May.
The JanSport Recycled SuperBreak, each containing the equivalent of 20 plastic water bottles worth of recycled plastic, uses 900 Denier Polyester Cordura eco-fabrics, made of postconsumer waste such as plastic water and soda bottles.
The sophisticated recycling technology that creates this eco-conscious fabric breaks down plastic through a manufacturing process and transforms it into high-quality spun polyester yarn. Utilising these recycled fabrics in product development has a lower impact on climate change than the equivalent virgin polyester.
Mindful processing and manufacturing of the Recycled SuperBreak is also a key driver of JanSport sustainability efforts –All the machines used in the production of the Recycled SuperBreak use renewable energy from a solar power system and the eco-conscious fabric produced has a solvent-free PU coating, which reduces the number of hazardous chemicals used during processing.
Not only is the Recycled SuperBreak helping to combat the ever-growing problem of plastic waste, but the pack is also incredibly stylish and functional. The traditional foam used in the back panel and straps of every JanSport pack was removed in order to make the Recycled SuperBreak fully packable into itself for simple and convenient storage.
JanSport also uses 60% recycled paper for their product hangtags, in addition to using eco-friendly vegetable ink and a water-based varnish on the hangtags. The Recycled SuperBreak will be available in five colours including Black, Red Tape, Yellow Card, New Olive and Oyster.
Understanding Generation Z’s values and critical response to climate change activism has fueled a strong connection between JanSport and its target consumer and has underscored the brand’s overall commitment to producing more sustainable products.
“JanSport’s sustainability journey started over 50 years ago,” says Roger Spatz, President at JanSport. “Our packs are hyper-durable and less likely to end up in a landfill. Also, the majority of our packs are guaranteed for life, so if a JanSport product fails, we’ll fix or replace it. We’re also working to carefully choose materials that are either partially or completely made from recycled plastics. With these steps, we hope our products will have less of an impact on the environment and more of a positive impact on people’s lives.”
The Recycled SuperBreak is just one step in JanSport’s sustainability journey. JanSport was able to recycle an equivalent of 13 million plastic bottles this season by using recycled fabrics in the development of eight top-selling backpack styles: SuperBreak, SuperBreak Plus, Big Student, Hatchet, Big Campus, Half Pint, Fifth Avenue, and Crosstown. JanSport obtains a Global Recycled Standard Certification from all suppliers of the 100% recycled polyester and 100% recycled nylon used in its products.
Reusing materials already in existence helps the brand reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. Using recycled polyester in JanSport products has a lower impact on climate change than the equivalent virgin polyester.
