TRANSFORMING TRENDS
HOW SUSTAINABLE FASHION AND RECYCLING ARE MAKING AN IMPACT ON CO2 EMISSIONS
The Rise of Eco-Friendly Fashion. In an era where environmental consciousness dictates more consumer choices, sustainable fashion has emerged as a beacon of hope. This trend isn’t just about producing good clothes; it’s about creating a movement towards fashion sustainability. By integrating practices that significantly reduce waste and energy consumption, eco-friendly fashion brands are redefining industry standards.
The Significant Impact of Recycling in Fashion
The impact of recycling in fashion is profound. Recycling materials not only conserves resources but also minimizes the carbon footprint of clothing production. For instance, using recycled polyester instead of virgin polyester can decrease energy consumption by approximately 30% to 50%, thereby reducing CO2 emissions substantially. This practice showcases how green fashion isn’t just a style statement—it’s a necessary shift towards a sustainable future.
Why Recycling in Apparel Matters
Recycling in apparel goes beyond using recycled materials; it involves a comprehensive approach to the entire lifecycle of clothing. From design to production and from consumption to post-consumption, every stage offers opportunities for environmental impact mitigation. Brands that embrace this philosophy are not only leaders in the environmental impact of fashion but are also paving the way for new norms in consumer behaviour and industrial practices.
Conclusion: Embracing Green Fashion
As more people recognize the importance of eco-friendly fashion, the industry is witnessing a significant transformation. By supporting brands that prioritize fashion sustainability, consumers play a crucial role in this change. Each purchase decision can be a step towards reducing the fashion industry’s carbon footprint, making a tangible impact on our planet’s health.
WHY I CHOOSE ECONYL®: A COMMITMENT TO A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
When I started ZLCOPENHAGEN, I knew that I didn’t just want to make fashion—I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to create something that not only looked good but did good for the world. Choosing ECONYL® wasn’t just a business decision; it was a reflection of my personal values, my deep respect for our planet, and my desire to be part of the solution in the fight against climate change.
HELPING THE CLIMATE, ONE SWIMWEAR PIECE AT A TIME
We all know that the fashion industry has a huge impact on the environment. Every choice we make, from the materials we use to the way we manufacture our products, affects the world around us. That’s why I knew I had to do things differently. By choosing to work with ECONYL® regenerated nylon, we’re able to reduce waste and give a second life to materials that would otherwise end up polluting our oceans and landfills.
ECONYL® is made entirely from rescued waste—fishing nets, fabric scraps, industrial plastics—that are collected, cleaned, and transformed back into high-quality nylon. This process not only removes harmful waste from the environment but also cuts down on the need for new resources. In fact, for every 10,000 tons of ECONYL® raw material, we save 70,000 barrels of crude oil and avoid 65,100 tons of CO2 emissions. That’s a significant reduction in our carbon footprint, and it’s one of the reasons I’m so proud to work with this material.
THE BEAUTY OF THE CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEM
The beauty of ECONYL® is that it operates in a closed-loop system. This means that once a product made from ECONYL® has reached the end of its life, it can be recycled and regenerated into new nylon—again and again. This creates a circular model of sustainability where nothing goes to waste. It’s not just about fashion that looks good now, but fashion that can continue to be remade for generations to come.
By using ECONYL® in our swimwear collection, I’m making sure that each piece you wear is not just stylish but also part of a bigger solution. It’s part of a system that respects the earth, minimizes waste, and ensures that we’re leaving behind a positive impact.
A PERSONAL COMMITMENT TO JUSTICE FOR ALL ECOSYSTEMS
For me, sustainability isn’t just about the materials we use—it’s about justice. It’s about making sure that our common systems—our air, our water, our natural resources—are treated with respect and care. The closed-loop process of ECONYL® ensures that we’re not taking more than we need and that we’re giving back to the environment in a way that sustains life for everyone. It’s about fairness—to our planet, to its ecosystems, and to future generations.
I also chose ECONYL® because it aligns with my personal mission to reduce the harm that fashion often causes. I believe that luxury and sustainability shouldn’t be mutually exclusive, and that we can create beautiful, high-quality products while still taking responsibility for the footprint we leave behind.
WHY IT MATTERS TO YOU
I understand that as a consumer, you want to feel good about what you’re wearing—not just in how it looks, but in how it’s made. By choosing ZLCOPENHAGEN, you’re not just getting a piece of clothing; you’re getting a product that stands for something. You’re joining me in a movement towards a more sustainable, responsible future.
When you wear our swimwear briefs or any piece from our collection, you’re not only investing in yourself—you’re investing in the planet. You’re supporting a brand that’s committed to reducing carbon footprints, keeping harmful waste out of our oceans, and creating fashion that’s built to last. It’s not just swimwear—it’s a choice for the future.
JOIN ME ON THIS JOURNEY
I started this brand with the belief that we can do better, and I know that with your support, we can continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable fashion. If you’d like to explore our full range of sustainable, ECONYL®-based swimwear, you can discover our collection here.
And if you’re interested in learning more about the sustainability process and how ECONYL® is changing the future of fashion, click here to see how it works. Also see our Towel collection, not big but nice.
Together, we can make a difference—one piece of swimwear at a time.
A CHILDHOOD IN NATURE
HOW MY JOURNEY LED TO SUSTAINABILITY
Looking back, my love for nature has always been a part of who I am. Growing up in Sønderjylland, I spent countless days at Naldtanglejren, surrounded by the raw beauty of the Danish countryside. It was a place where the connection between humans and nature felt so simple, so pure. One memory that stands out is a photo of me with Inge, where we’re happily collecting vandmænd (jellyfish) by the shore. I was completely in my element, in love with my bright orange swimwear, feeling free in the water.
For as long as I can remember, water has had a special place in my heart. Whether it was splashing around in the sea, watching the gentle waves roll in, or being mesmerized by the way sunlight dances on the water’s surface, it was always a source of inspiration for me. Those early days at Naldtanglejren, with its bålplads (bonfire pit), the vast natural landscapes, and the tranquility of the water, sparked something inside me—a passion for the environment, for the natural world, and for living in harmony with it.
HOW NATURE LED TO MY TRANSFORMATION
That love for water and nature naturally found its way into my art from a young age. I was constantly trying to capture the movement of the water, the way plants grew, and the beauty of the skies. But as I grew older, I started to see the darker side of the environment’s story. I saw the pollution that was choking our oceans, the plastic waste littering the beaches, and the impact that humans were having on the earth. It was heartbreaking. I knew I had to do something—not just as an individual but as a designer.
That’s when I began to think about how my love for nature could be reflected in something more tangible. I wanted to create something that didn’t just take from the earth but gave back to it. I wanted to make swimwear that celebrated the water, while also protecting it.
THE TRANSFORMATION TO ECONYL®: TURNING WASTE INTO BEAUTY
When I discovered ECONYL®, it felt like everything came full circle. ECONYL® takes waste—like abandoned fishing nets, plastic debris, and fabric scraps—and regenerates it into brand-new, high-quality nylon. The same oceans that inspired me as a child were being cleaned up and turned into something beautiful and lasting. It was the perfect way to combine my passion for nature with my work as a designer.
Choosing ECONYL® wasn’t just a sustainable decision—it was a personal one. The idea of transforming something harmful into something beautiful felt incredibly meaningful to me. It’s more than just recycling; it’s about regeneration and creating a closed-loop system where waste is turned into a valuable resource. In a way, it mirrors my own journey—turning childhood wonder into something that has a real impact.
WHY IT MATTERS TO ME—AND TO YOU
Water has always been where I feel most at home. And now, with my swimwear made from ECONYL®, I know that I’m helping protect the waters I love so much. When you wear one of our ZLCOPENHAGEN swimwear briefs, you’re not just putting on a piece of clothing. You’re joining me in a journey that started when I was a child, in the clear waters of Sønderjylland. You’re supporting a system that cleans up our oceans and regenerates waste into something beautiful. You’re making a choice that’s about more than just fashion—it’s about taking care of the world we all share.
So next time you slip into your swimwear, whether it’s for a day at the beach or just a swim, know that it’s more than just fabric. It’s part of a bigger story—one that’s rooted in sustainability, love for the planet, and the simple joy of being in nature.
