This Month's Spotlight: Pangaia
In recent years, PANGAIA has become a symbol of innovation and simplicity within the fashion industry. The brand's dedication to sustainability and its straightforward approach to clothing result in timeless essentials available in a variety of colours that are made to last. However, what truly distinguishes PANGAIA is its scientific method of production, which redefines the relationship between fashion and the planet. Today, we want to shine a light on the brand’s sustainability efforts in our monthly spotlight case study.
A Revolutionary Approach to Sustainability
PANGAIA’s commitment to sustainability is firmly anchored in the “slow fashion” movement. In contrast to the fast fashion model, which promotes overconsumption and waste, PANGAIA advocates for mindful and intentional purchasing. This approach is supported by their pioneering use of eco-friendly materials and cutting-edge technologies that emphasise the planet's well-being. Central to PANGAIA’s mission is their dedication to bio-based, lab-grown, and regenerative materials. This includes plant-based fibres, recycled resources, and carbon-capture innovations. The outcome? Fashion that respects the environment while maintaining quality and style.
The Material Innovations
PANettle™ and PANhemp™: A Revolution in Denim
PANGAIA’s PANettle™ denim features wild Himalayan nettle, a regenerative plant that thrives in abundance and benefits local communities through agricultural employment. When combined with organic cotton, this fabric presents a sustainable substitute for conventional denim. Likewise, PANhemp™ employs hemp, a crop that demands minimal water and yields fibres three times more efficiently than cotton. In partnership with Orta – our founder’s 2011 MA collection sponsor, supplying all the recycled denim for the pieces – a pioneering denim factory, PANGAIA has crafted durable, eco-friendly denim that redefines the possibilities of sustainable fashion.
C-Fibre™: Nature Meets Efficiency
To address the water and energy demands of cotton production, PANGAIA introduced C-Fibre™ technology. This innovative material blends eucalyptus pulp with SeaCell™ seaweed powder, utilising minimal water and energy. The sustainably harvested seaweed, collected every four years in Iceland, regenerates naturally without the need for fresh water, while eucalyptus flourishes in dry environments without the use of pesticides. This cutting-edge process creates a biobased fibre that is both effective and environmentally friendly.
FLWRDWN™: High-Tech Naturalism
Traditional down materials typically depend on animal or petroleum-derived products. The brand introduced FLOWERDOWN™ to the market—a patented, hypoallergenic substitute crafted from wildflowers, aerogels, and corn biopolymers. This groundbreaking padding provides exceptional insulation and is produced through a biodiversity-centric system that eliminates the need for pesticides or irrigation.
Vegan Leathers and Circularity
PANGAIA's commitment to vegan leather centres around the principle of circularity. They utilise Vegea, a material derived from grape skins, which transforms waste from the wine industry into eco-composites. While it is not entirely biodegradable because of its polyurethane content, this innovative material highlights PANGAIA's effort to minimise dependence on petrochemicals.
PPRMNT™: Prolonging Wear
To tackle the environmental consequences of frequent washing, PANGAIA created PPRMNT™. This innovative treatment, sourced from Mentha piperita (peppermint) oil, effectively neutralises odour-causing bacteria, minimising the need for laundering. Impressively, its antibacterial properties endure for up to 50 washes, all while preserving the garment’s texture and colour.
Responsible Wool Standard
PANGAIA combines recycled wool and cashmere with responsibly sourced virgin fibres to produce premium-quality items. With certification from the Responsible Wool Standard, the brand is committed to prioritising animal welfare and sustainability throughout its supply chain.
The Science Behind The Brand
PANGAIA's commitment to science is showcased through its in-house PANGAIA Lab, where innovators unite to advance sustainable fashion. Their creations, such as the biofabricated hoodie and the regenerative fibre Infinite Tee, represent the forefront of sustainability. Additionally, the lab collaborates with trailblazers like Colorfix to create bacterial dyes, significantly minimising the environmental impact associated with conventional dyeing methods.
Beyond Fashion: Giving Back
PANGAIA’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its products. The brand actively invests in the planet’s future through initiatives like:
- Coral Gardeners: Supporting coral reef restoration through collaborations and financial contributions.
- Choose Love: Partnering with an organization that aids refugees and displaced citizens worldwide.
- BeeTheChange: Promoting bee conservation through grassroots efforts.
- Tomorrow Tree Fund: Restoring forests by planting trees and empowering local communities.
PANGAIA's commitment to sustainability is truly remarkable. Grounded in the slow fashion movement and driven by scientific advancements, the brand serves as a role model for the fashion industry. By consistently questioning traditional methods and prioritising innovation, PANGAIA shows that sustainable fashion is not just achievable but vital. At Scarlet Destiny, we are thrilled to witness PANGAIA’s ongoing journey. With such impressive strides in sustainability, we can’t wait to see what the brand will achieve next as it redefines the future of fashion.
[featured image sourced on canva.com | info sourced on weavabel.com and lampoonmagazine.com]