As the fashion industry evolves, many segments have made strides toward sustainability. Yet, hosiery remains a persistent issue. It’s disheartening to realize that most women buy tights to wear just a handful of times before tossing them in the bin—essentially, they become ‘wear it and despair’ items. This cycle of consumption isn’t just wasteful; it’s also heavily reliant on synthetic fibers that take ages to decompose, exacerbating environmental concerns.
However, there’s a glimmer of hope on the horizon. The Swedish Stockings’ parent company, SWE-S, has recently launched Treadfine Productions, a venture aimed explicitly at addressing these longstanding issues in the hosiery market. With a mission to replace the traditional, wear-and-tear nylon manufacturing methods, Treadfine is tapping into SWE-S’s extensive expertise in sustainable production. They’re not just reshaping the way we think about legwear; they’re providing viable, eco-friendly options for consumers and businesses alike, which is a crucial step forward.
Every year, a staggering 8 billion pairs of tights are sold, often worn once and quickly discarded. Remember that time you bought a gorgeous pair of tights, only for them to snag the first time you wore them? Treadfine recognizes that this pattern can’t continue. They’re committed to offering a much more sustainable solution, making it easier for businesses to buy responsibly produced hosiery at scale and for customers to feel good about their fashion choices.
Treadfine Products is not just about promoting sustainability; it’s actively courting partnerships within the industry. Their first collaboration is with Swedish retail chain MQ, a pivotal step toward making eco-friendly hosiery more accessible. SWE-S CEO Linn Frisinger aptly described Hosiery as “the plastic straw of the fashion industry.” Just like the movement away from plastic straws, it’s time for hosiery to undergo a transformation.
Particularly exciting is Treadfine’s production process, which is anchored in ethics and innovation. Their facilities in Italy harness solar and renewable energy sources, ensuring that not only the end products but the entire manufacturing process is as eco-conscious as possible. Water waste is minimized, with stringent measures in place for purifying or reusing water in the dyeing process—all while adhering to the highest standards for workplace rights and environmental responsibility. This is the kind of commitment that inspires trust in the brand’s integrity.
Moreover, one of the standout initiatives is the Treadfine partnership with Swedish Stockings’ Recycling Club. Picture this: instead of tossing out that worn-out pair of tights, you can send them to a program that’s dedicated to closing the loop on nylon waste. This initiative aims to collect old hosiery from any brand and recycle the fibers into new, long-lasting products—yes, even furniture! This year, Swedish Stockings has set an ambitious goal: to collect more used hosiery than it produces, and they’re welcoming all brands into the fold to join this vital movement.
When you put on a pair of tights, it shouldn’t come with the weight of guilt or discomfort about where they’ll end up. Thanks to Treadfine Productions, we are moving towards a fashion future where sustainability isn’t just a trend; it’s a lifestyle. You’re not just wearing tights; you’re making a choice that’s kinder to the planet, proving that every little action counts when it comes to big changes in the world.
Image Source: Treadfine.com
