The North Face Launches New Circular Insulation Solution
The North Face has introduced a new insulation technology designed to be lightweight, packable and circular.
The synthetic insulation, dubbed Circaloft, is made with 100-percent recycled fabrics. It was developed to be efficiently deconstructed and recycled into new yarns at the end of its lifecycle, with minimal inputs that cannot be reused.
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The launch represents a step in the brand’s planned expansion of its Circular Design portfolio of products, which maintain a high level of performance with prioritizing preferred materials. Available now in stores and online, the first Circaloft drop includes a quarter-zip pullover, a pant, a hoodie and a jacket, priced at $180-$230.
Launched in October 2022, the Circular Design product line is made with materials that are recycled, responsibly sourced, renewable or regeneratively grown, with the aim of reducing reliance on non-renewable resources. Developed for durability, the products are built to withstand wear and tear, and generate as little waste as possible during the production process.
Products in the range are designed to be broken down with ease at the end of their useful life, and turned into new inputs for future products. The company announced in 2021 that it plans to transition to 100-percent responsibly sourced recycled, regenerative, or renewable materials across its top product lines by 2025.
The Circular Design collection includes Alpine Polartec, The North Face’s line of recycled performance fleece, as well as the Osito line of recycled outerwear. Consumers can send back their worn products via the The North Face Renewed take-back program, and the brand will restore them for sale at a discount.
“By continually incorporating circular design principles into some of The North Face’s most iconic designs and staple pieces, we will be able to recover otherwise discarded materials that can be leveraged for new jackets and outdoor gear,” Kellen Hennessy, senior circular design manager, said. “We’re thrilled to be expanding on our circular offering through this insulated collection.”
