The Journal

Using recycled down from reclaimed post-consumer down duvets and pillows is a sustainable alternative to virgin down, that still offers the highest warmth-to-weight of any insulation. In 2015, Nau became the first apparel brand to introduce a down product line that features 100% recycled down. We use 650-fill and 700-fill recycled down for our insulation, these measurements refer to the cubic inches of loft per ounce.   Starting with reclaimed duvets and pillows, the down and feathers are removed, cleaned, and then sorted according to their quality. This allows us to select recycled down with the exact same specifications as virgin down, and thus identical performance characteristics. RE:DOWN has more information about this process and recycled down's other uses.   Global Recycled Standard and SCS Recycled Content Certification to verify the source and composition of our recycled down products. We've proven recycled down can achieve the premium fill power required for cold-weather performance, leading many major outdoor industry brands to initiate their own recycled down collections.   Check out our Recycled Down items that are available now online and in-store.  

SOME BACKGROUND ON RECYCLED POLYESTER: PET (also abbreviated PETE) is short for polyethylene terephthalate, the chemical name for polyester. PET is a clear, strong, and lightweight plastic that is widely used for packaging foods and beverages, especially convenience-sized soft drinks, juices and water. Virtually all single-serving and 2-liter bottles of carbonated soft drinks and water sold in the U.S. are made from PET. At Nau, after collecting waste PET bottles by color, we make sustainable products with recycled polyester fabrics and fillers produced through washing, melting, and spinning processes. Recycled polyester is a material that can directly counteract the plastic waste issue that is currently problematic. On average, one recycled polyester T-shirt is made from 15 500ml PET bottles. RECYCLED POLYESTER AS AN INSULATION PRODUCT: With the recent rise of animal welfare issues in the fashion production process, artificial fiber fillers are being suggested as an alternative to animal fillers. Instead of using down and goose down, which is not produced ethically, we can use a filler made of polyester (which is a synthetic fiber) and help minimize the production of unethical down. However, the use of such synthetic fibers is not necessarily good because it increases dependence on fossil fuels. That's why Nau goes one step further and uses fillers developed from recycled polyester. This filler, reflecting the sustainability of Nau, was applied to the product in a fabric type and a ball-type depending on the application. Like regular synthetic fiber filling, it is lightweight and warm, which protects both animals and the environment. THE STATS Needs 59% less energy than virgin polyester Reduces CO2 emissions by 32% Keeps non-biodegradable plastic out of our oceans and landfills GRS & RCS certified     MORE INFO AND RECYCLED POLYESTER ITEMS: We gathered a lot of information on this subject, and there is plenty more to say. Our research began with The Wrap Recycling Action Program (WRAP). WRAP is a national public awareness and outreach initiative designed to make plastic film – including wraps, bags, and flexible packaging – a commonly recycled material with a strong and ever-growing recycling rate. Go W.R.A.P. For more options on how to contribute to recycling plastics in your area. Also check out the selection of items using Recycled Polyester on Nau.com.  

Introducing: Recycled Nylon Nylon was the first fabric produced entirely in a laboratory. As a synthetic material derived from petroleum, Nylon first became available during World War II for use with both military products and silk replacement for items like stockings. Today you're more likely to find it in activewear, swimwear, and other technical performance garments because of its durability and useful stretch properties.   Nylon is made from oil, a non-renewable resource, in an energy-intensive process. It sheds microplastic fibers that end up in our waterways and oceans every time it's washed. While having Recycled Nylon as a fabric in our collection will not fix the microplastic issue, it does repurpose materials that would end up in landfills and continues to work the fabric through the circular economy.  Recycled Nylon is usually made from pre-consumer fabric waste, though it may also come from post-consumer materials like industrial fishing nets. There are several "chain of custody" standards that track recycled Nylon through the supply chain, including the Recycled Claim Standard (RCS), Global Recycled Standard (GRS), and SCS Recycled Content.   But, What Else Is Sustainable About Recycled Nylon? Nylon is one of the essential plastic materials we use in our products, especially when durability is needed. Unfortunately, Nylon comes from petroleum which creates a discharge of CO2 during production and requires more than 30 years to decompose. By choosing recycled Nylon, we can reduce dependence on petroleum resources. It reduces waste from landfills and the ocean. Post-consumer recycled Nylon comes from discarded fishing nets or carpets. Pre-consumer Recycled Nylon comes from industrial Nylon trash, which would be down-cycled, downgraded, or landfilled. Less Co2 pollution: Recycled Nylon may emit 70% less CO2 than virgin Nylon   Where Can I Find More Information? Additional information is available at the Textile Exchange website. For more on this topic, follow the link below. Textile Exchange      

Nau has a long history of striving to make our company more than just a clothing line. One way we can meet this goal is by supporting organizations that advocate for environmental protections. We can meet this goal by donating 2% of  purchases to Conservation Alliance. This Father’s Day, pick up a gift with Nau so that your purchase gives more than just a gift. It means you’re investing in our dedication to #Actrightnau by supporting a foundation that protects the wild places in North America.   Why Support Grants? The Conservation Alliance seeks to protect threatened wild places throughout North America for their habitat and recreational values. As a group of outdoor companies, they recognize our responsibility to help protect the wild lands and waterways on which our customers recreate, and wildlife thrives. To achieve that goal, they make grants to nonprofit organizations working to protect the special wild lands and waters in their backyards. How Can I Help? When deciding what to get someone as a Father’s Day gift, make the choice to get something that gives back to what being a father means; being a role model for future generations. Follow the link below to see more information on organizations that Nau supports.  Donations With Nau

Traditional dyeing methods involve a dye bath that requires a massive amount of water, much of it released as toxic wastewater that can damage the environment and be costly to treat. To reduce the impact of textile dyeing, our garment-dyeing process uses less water, less energy, and fewer auxiliary chemicals. It also cuts out almost half the dye compared with processes that call for salts in the dye bath.      

With social distancing restrictions in place around the world to fight the spread of COVID-19, this year's Earth Day will be a digital event. April 22, 2020 marks 50 years of Earth Day. 

In an effort to save you time and the earth of an increasingly larger return footprint, we’re hoping to help you get it right the first time with transparent details about the fit of each and every one of our styles, straight from the team at Nau. 

In 2015, Nau became the first apparel brand to introduce a recycled down collection. Any time a waste stream can be turned into a resource, it’s a good move for the planet —and a breakthrough as big as recycled down felt like winning the lottery. 

Warmth is not the only determining factor when choosing insulated jackets —you also have to factor in weight, resistance to water and compression, and style.