Timberland, Thread release sustainable apparel, accessories line

Global outdoor lifestyle brand Timberland, in collaboration with US-based recycled fiber specialist Thread International, has launched recently a sustainable clothing and accessories line made of recycled plastic bottles. The bottles used are collected from the streets of Haiti with the help of more than 1,300 locals.

In a press interview, Timberland director of sustainability Colleen Vien said, "the Timberland X Thread collection is incredible proof that style and sustainability can go hand-in-hand. This collection delivers good with every fiber, not just by recycling plastic bottles that would otherwise end up littering the streets, but also by creating job opportunities and cleaner neighborhoods in Haiti."

Thread founder and CEO Ian Rosenberger added, "our partnership with Timberland marks a seismic shift in the fashion industry, combining Timberland's large supply chain and loyal customer base with Thread's responsible, transparent approach to creating premium fabrics and vital jobs in the developing world. The Timberland X Thread collection is a major step towards improving the way our clothes are made."

The line consists of a T-shirt, duffel bag, backpack and five men's footwear styles, all using 50 percent recycled PET fabric from Thread.

In addition, the shoes and boots have outsoles that contain 15 percent reused rubber and mesh lining adopting 50 percent recycled PET. The shirt also utilizes 50 percent reclaimed cotton while the bags feature water-resistant leather trims.

The companies track every step of production from bottle collection and fabric creation to manufacturing and delivery. According to Timberland, this transparency allows consumers to learn more about the people and the impact metrics behind each product they purchase. The outdoor brand also plans to share stories, photos and videos of people behind the Timberland X Thread collection online in coming weeks.