Arc'teryx redesigning all products for full recyclability

Arc'teryx, the Vancouver-based outdoor apparel company, has launched its ambitious System 0 program, aiming to make all its products fully recyclable. The initiative, developed over the past three years, seeks to reduce the environmental footprint of its gear and has introduced its first fully recyclable hardshell jacket, the Sperro SV.

CEO Stuart Haselden stated the program's goal is not only to offer more sustainable solutions but also to enhance product performance. "If we can solve problems for people who don’t even care about circularity, and just want a great jacket, then we can disrupt the industry," Haselden said.

The brand's 'Leave It Better' mission, originally intended for climbers to pack out their trash, has taken on a deeper meaning amid climate change concerns. This has prompted the company to re-engineer materials and collaborate with supply chain partners like Gore-Tex and Aquafil.

The Sperro SV jacket exemplifies the System 0 concept, utilizing a specialized nylon fabric designed for longevity and repairability. At the end of its life, removable components like zippers are detached, and the main fabric can be chemically regenerated into virgin-quality nylon through Aquafil's process.

While many smaller sustainable brands have faced financial hurdles, Arc'teryx leverages its established market position and high margins for this multi-year, capital-intensive strategy. The company's robust direct-to-consumer sales model and ReBird repair services also facilitate customer engagement and product returns for recycling.