Why Recycled Swimwear Matters (And What to Look For)
Every year, around 8 million tonnes of plastic ends up in our oceans. It's a scary number. But here's the good news: some of that plastic is being turned into something useful. Like swimwear your kids actually want to wear.
What is Recycled Swimwear?
Recycled swimwear is made from post-consumer waste, usually plastic bottles and old fishing nets, that's been collected, cleaned and transformed into new yarn. The most common recycled fabric used in swimwear is REPREVE recycled nylon, which is what we use at Pekpi.
The result? A fabric that looks, feels and performs just like virgin nylon but with a fraction of the environmental footprint.
Why Does It Matter?
Traditional nylon production is energy-intensive and relies on petroleum. Recycled nylon uses up to 80% less energy to produce and diverts plastic from landfills and oceans.
When you choose recycled swimwear for your kids, you're:
- Keeping plastic out of landfill and oceans
- Reducing demand for new petroleum-based fabrics
- Teaching your kids that what we buy matters
- Getting the exact same quality and durability as conventional swimwear
What to Look For
Not all "eco" claims are created equal. Here's what to check:
- Certified recycled content: Look for REPREVE or GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certified fabrics
- UPF rating: Recycled nylon holds UPF50+ just as well as virgin nylon
- Durability: Quality recycled swimwear should last multiple seasons without fading, stretching or pilling
- Transparency: Brands that care about sustainability will tell you exactly what their products are made from
Our Commitment
Every Pekpi swim nappy, wet bag, rashie, shorts set and swimsuit is made from REPREVE recycled nylon. We chose this fabric because it performs beautifully and because we believe kids swimwear shouldn't cost the earth (literally).
Our prints are bold, our quality is high, and our impact is low. That's the sweet spot.