Skinwear is an essential consumable item in our lives. We pull it out of a drawer without thinking, and use it every day as if it were a matter of course. Then, without thinking too much about it, we throw it away when it’s worn out. Skinwear is an item that has become an integral part of our lives.
There is a brand that uses innovative technology to bring about evolution in such skinwear. Wolford was established in Bregenz, Austria in 1950. More than 50 years have passed since its establishment, and it is still a skinwear brand that continues to captivate women around the world.
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The difference Wolford has shown in the course of its evolution
Since its establishment, Wolford has been constantly improving its products using the finest materials such as pure silk and rayon, and the craftsmanship of its artisans to create the highest quality products. From the transparent tights of Miss Wolford, which were launched in 1977 when disco was all the rage and colored tights were in fashion, to the From the transparent tights of Miss Wolford, which were launched in 1977 when disco was all the rage and colored tights were in fashion, to the Pure 50 tights, which were launched in 2014 and are perfect for tight-fitting clothes with no seams, all of their products are comfortable to wear, highly functional, and support women who are active in all kinds of situations.
In 2018, they announced the “Aurora Line” as part of their Zero Waste Collection. This is an important collection launch for a brand from the eco-friendly European region that is also popular worldwide.
The Northern Lights that make a sustainable world possible
The Aurora Collection is based on two key concepts: biodegradability and recycling. The first key concept, biodegradability, is represented by the use of ROICATM, a highly stretchable and biodegradable material, and TENCEL™ MODAL, a cellulose fiber (highly biodegradable) from sustainable forests. The material is made from renewable beech wood and only uses materials that have been grown strictly in accordance with natural reforestation methods in Austria and other European countries. After disposal, these materials will naturally decompose in the soil, providing nutrients for microorganisms and plants and enriching the soil. They will slowly return to nature over time. Wolford is collecting the Aurora Collection at some of its stores in its home country. Delivering the product to the consumer does not mean the end of the process; by returning the used stockings to Wolford, a cycle of recycling is created.
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The second keyword, “recycling”, is demonstrated in the use of ECONYL®, which is made from recycled fishing nets, and in the collection of no longer used skinwear, which is then unraveled and made into new fibers. Essentially, waste that would otherwise be thrown away is given new life and recycled into new products, allowing the materials to be used forever.
Furthermore, all items in the Aurora Collection have received Cradle to Cradle (C2C) Gold Certification. C2C, which is certified by EPEA (the German Environmental Protection Promotion Agency), is based on the concept of “Cradle to Cradle (Earth to Earth)” and aims to recycle materials that are born on Earth rather than disposing of them in landfills.
C2C certification requires that products meet the following criteria: 1) “material health”, 2) “material reutilization”, 3) “renewable energy and carbon management”, 4) “water stewardship”, and 5) “social fairness”. Having achieved Gold certification, Wolford is still aiming for greater heights, and is working hard every day to develop and introduce earth-friendly materials.
For all the women
Wolford’s skinwear is not just environmentally friendly. It offers products that support women’s lives, responding to the needs of all women. In a modern world where there is talk of gender equality, but the wage gap remains, and the burden of housework tends to be disproportionately heavy, the company continues to send out a message with its items to raise women’s self-esteem and help them to feel confident in themselves. These products are born from a diverse team structure. There are 50 nationalities working at Wolford, which makes it easier to understand the ideals of customers. In addition, it is reported that by the end of 2023, the number of women in leadership and head positions will be more than half, at 57%. Perhaps it is because it is an inclusive and diverse company that it is able to listen to the needs of all women.
Wolford’s challenges are far from over. They have announced that by 2025, they will switch 50% of all items to C2C certification. Timeless skinwear that will always be there for you. Rather than continuing to buy skinwear that is simply consumed, we now have more options to use products like Wolford that will be with us forever.
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【参考】
https://ginzamag.com/categories/fashion/232817
http://www.wolfordshop.jp
https://www.neol.jp/fashion/9791/
https://www.wolfordshop.jp/aurora/about-aurora
https://ideasforgood.jp/glossary/c2c/
https://company.wolford.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/000_W_SUSTAINABILITY_REPORT_2023_EN.pdf
https://www.wolfordshop.jp/news/detail?news=id120&apias_s_id=31404
https://www.tencel.com/images/assets/downloads/TENCEL_Brochure_v1.4_JP-1.pdf
https://time.com/5680431/tights-fashion-history/
writer
Atsushi Nakayama
Born in 1995. Born in Kochi Prefecture. After studying abroad in the U.S., he went to Australia for a working holiday and joined the 2024 Tender Party. She is in charge of sustainability and fashion related issues. Sometimes modeling. Occasional cat sitter.
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