NAU Blender Glove

NAU is known for their use of advanced recycled fabrics and natural materials for their modern outdoor clothing products.  Their new Blender Glove is no exception.  Made from Teijin recycled polyester, Merino wool and Pittards goat leather, it is a top choice for those seeking an advanced technical glove. 

NAU markets the Blender Glove as a more sustainable option since it uses recycled polyester fabric instead of virgin polyester (petroleum). 

The glove is designed to be durable while offering stretch as well as water repellent and breathable. 

We found its build quality to be exceptional - the gloves should yield years of use.  The interior Merino wool lining is also a welcome addition.  Breathability is quite good which is a positive in some conditions but may not be desirable in others.  The gloves seem ideal for all applications requiring dexterity and durability in a glove.  Warmth in cold climates may require a more insulated glove.  It should also be noted the glove is relatively lightweight at 6 oz.

The Blender Glove is available directly from NAU.

NOTE:  We contacted Vermont-based Ibex for product information on their Climawool glove, which is similar to the Blender Glove.  Despite repeated attempts at contact we never received a response from Ibex.

Japanese Company Produces Wide Range of Recycled High Performance Fabrics

Teijin Fibers Limited of Japan has developed a new polyester fabric called Eco Storm that is waterproof and moisture permeable.  The fabric is made from recycled fibers and is part of Tejin's innovative Eco Circle closed-loop recycling process.

Made entirely from polyester, it can be recycled into new fibers with the Eco Circle recycling system after used products are collected. Eco Storm is a revolutionary material featuring a sophisticated combination of unprecedented comfort and environmental friendliness.

The company expects Eco Storm to find growing demand, chiefly from eco-conscious sporting apparel manufacturers based in Japan and abroad, government offices that are required to make green purchases and other companies oriented to environmental considerations for uniform and rain gear applications.

A number of clothing companies participate in Tejin's Eco Circle including MEC (Mountain Equipment Co-op), a Canadian company I am a big fan of.  MEC takes back used products from their customers through garment recycling bins in their stores.  Garments with that still show signs of life are donated.  The remaining products are sent to Teijin, where they are reprocessed into new fibers through Eco Circle™. In this process, garments are crushed, turned into granules, then run through a chemical reaction process that removes dyes and other chemicals before turning it back into raw polyester (polyester polymer), then new Eco Circle fibers like Eco Storm.

Several companies including MEC, Patagonia and NAU are using Eco Cicle fabrics in their current product lines.  Tejin is currently working with some 70 participating apparel manufacturers and sporting gear manufacturers as part of Eco Circle.