New products : Icebreaker Creates Warmest-Ever Jackets from Recycled Merino

Wellington, New Zealand (January 2014) – Merino innovator Icebreaker has announced a breakthrough in garment sustainability with the launch of exceptionally warm jackets made with recycled fabrics.

Icebreaker’s 2014 Fall/Winter collection debuts technical and lifestyle jackets made from MerinoLOFT, a new lightweight insulation created from premium, ethically-sourced wool fibers.
Ten percent of the loft comes from recycled merino offcuts salvaged from the factory floor, while the jackets’ water repellent shell is made from recycled polyester.

MerinoLOFT garments are Icebreaker’s warmest-ever jackets, and are ideal for lightweight layering. Icebreaker is using the latest technology to build the next generation of high performance merino.
Unlike puffer jackets made from down or a synthetic fill, MerinoLOFT jackets are warm when wet – great for adverse weather conditions. A durable woven merino lining next to the skin regulates temperature and breathes to prevent overheating and clamminess.

The new MerinoLOFT garments come in two constructions: outdoors/lifestyle jackets and technical mid layers. MerinoLOFT lifestyle jackets – the Chelsea Vest and Chelsea LS Hood for women, and the Ranger LS Hood and Ranger Bomber for men – have a merino twill weave, made from 67% merino and 33% organic cotton. The lining features a New Zealand topographical print.

Other MerinoLOFT jackets, built for the outdoors and styled for the city, include the Halo Hood and Halo 3Q Jacket for women and the Helix Hood for men which have a shaped hood and an internal storm flap for extra warmth and protection. The Halo Hood has a tapered construction to give it an even sleeker, more slimmed-down look and comes with a drawcord to keep out the cold for even more warmth.

MerinoLOFT technical mid layers, which can be worn under a windproof or waterproof shell, are the Halo Vest and Halo LS Zip for women, and the Helix Vest and Helix LS Zip for men. Available in classic black and high-energy winter colors, these versatile layers have stretchy side panels and a zippered inside stash pocket with a media cord port.

Rob Achten, Icebreaker Creative Director and Vice President of Product, says the New Zealand-based company has pioneered innovation in the merino garment industry while maintaining its commitment to sustainability.

“Icebreaker merino is created in nature, so sustainability and respect for the environment are part of who we are,” he says. “We’ve been working to find a sustainable use for our merino offcuts for a long time. Merino is a precious natural fiber, so we want to use as much of it as possible.

“Customers who wear our MerinoLOFT jackets will stay warm and dry on the coldest of winter, and will feel good knowing they’re wearing something that is natural and sustainable.”

About Icebreaker

Icebreaker merino clothing for the outdoors, technical sports and lifestyle includes underwear, mid layer garments, outerwear, socks and accessories for men, women and children. Icebreaker is based in Wellington, New Zealand, and is sold in more than 3000 stores in 44 countries.

See icebreaker.com for more information about Icebreaker, and jeremymoon.me for more information on Icebreaker founder and CEO Jeremy Moon.

By press release.


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