Aug 24 2010
Cintas Corporation (NASDAQ: CTAS) today introduced the Full Circle Eco Polo, a “green” polo made from a recycled polyester/eco-charcoal blend. At the end of its lifecycle, the garment can be recycled into new material, creating a closed-loop system and helping organizations to further enhance their green apparel programs.
“Our new polo is one of the most sustainable garments available,” said Todd McKeown, Vice President of Hospitality at Cintas. “It keeps water bottles out of landfills and helps reduce resource exhaustion and global warming. This is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to show they’re serious about combating the environmental impact of their operations.”
Fifty percent of the Full Circle Eco Polo is made from recycled polyester. To create the recycled polyester material, plastic bottles designated for landfills are diverted from the waste stream and broken down into polyester pellets, which are then woven into wearable fabrics. The other 50 percent of the polo is made from eco-charcoal. Eco-charcoal is derived from coconut shells and nano-bamboo particles. This charcoal is the same substance found in water purifiers.
The polyester/eco-charcoal blend is quick-drying, wrinkle-resistant, mildew-proof and heat resistant – traits neither wool nor cotton can claim. The eco-charcoal component wicks away moisture, eliminates odor and blocks ultraviolet rays. At the end of a polo’s life, the wearer can ship it to the address indicated on the neck label, where it is then recycled into raw material and repurposed for other uses. This item is also bluesign® certified, meaning every component of this product meets the highest environment, health and safety standard.
“The rapid population increase over the last 50 years is causing mass production, consumption and disposal, but using products with a limited environmental impact saves resources and reduces waste,” said Jamie Overbey, Cintas’ Director of Marketing, Global Accounts & Strategic Markets. “In addition, wearing apparel that is good for the environment makes staff members proud.”
The set-in sleeve, five-button polo is unisex sized and features sturdy double-needle stitching at the hem and cuff, and a stylish, contrasting self-fabric accent inside the placket and collar.