NIKIN bikinis are made from ECONYL® fiber. The sustainable material for our swimwear is a recycled polyamide derived from nylon waste that would otherwise pollute the earth. In this interview we learn more about the history of the yarn and the company Aquafil behind it.
NIKIN: Giulio Bonazzi, president of Aquafil, says: "When I see a landfill, I see a gold mine." Why?
Aquafil: Because waste is a valuable raw material for us!
NIKIN: Because you reuse it for ECONYL® regenerated nylon?
Aquafil: Exactly. ECONYL® nylon has the same quality as conventional petroleum-derived nylon, but is made from waste materials such as fishing nets, old carpets, or fabric scraps. We produce the material in Ljubljana, Slovenia.
NIKIN: What is the intention behind producing a new recycled ingredient like ECONYL® fiber?
Aquafil: The ECONYL® yarn is part of a larger transformation of our business model from a linear to a circular approach. We no longer want to be part of the "buy raw materials, use them, and throw them away" process.
NIKIN: It's about sustainable intentions?
Aquafil: Yes. We also believe this is the only way to grow and keep pace with the challenges of a rapidly changing market.
NIKIN: What are the criteria for a fashion brand that wants to use ECONYL® regenerated nylon?
Aquafil: Sustainability. There are more and more companies like this. Currently, 2,000 fashion brands and 60 carpet manufacturers use the material.
Aquafil: For every brand, large and small, it should be a priority to seek out and use sustainable materials. Furthermore, items should be designed for longevity and recycling. The future of the fashion industry is the renewal of the old.
