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Plastic Gets a New Life
STYLEFitness
Plastic Gets a New Life
BY MICHELLE GLICKSMAN
I“I was having a conversation with a friend, who ultimately became my business partner, about the plastic pollution problem,” says Kevin Shelhamer. “The question was asked, ‘What can we do that would leverage what is bad for good?’ From that discussion we came up with the Rescue Plastics idea and launched a brand that helps you look good, feel good, and do good.”
Shelhamer, who had more than 20 years’ experience developing and growing brands, was speaking with Mashruf Habib, who had led apparel manufacturing and production for multiple fashion organizations and retailers, and the pair ultimately launched Rescue Plastics. As a sustainable athleisurewear company, the mission is to help tackle the planet’s plastic pollution crisis by transforming recycled materials into high-performance activewear. Made from 80% certified recycled ocean and industrial plastic waste, and crafted in an LEEDcertified fair labor facility with a zero-carbon footprint, Rescue Plastics is at the forefront of creating sustainable fashion for the future. The current spring/summer collection includes sports bras ($46-$52), leggings ($68-$79), and sets ($89-$96), as well as masks ($15).
Further committing to total sustainability, as new collections launch, plans are in the works to implement a recycling system where consumers can return their previously purchased clothing and receive a credit towards future purchases. This allows the brand to recycle it back into future apparel lines, creating a circular system to further eliminate waste.
The brand’s packaging is sustainable, as well. The materials are sourced from EcoEnclosed, which produces 100% recycled poly bags. They are designed to be reusable for returns or other needs, therefore eliminating additional waste.
“At a personal level I have always enjoyed being outside… camping, hiking, biking, etc.,” Shelhamer says. “I want my children and their children to be able to enjoy the same. It’s heartbreaking to see the negative impact that we are having on our planet as a result of trash and pollution. We all have a responsibility to leave the world in a better place than we found it. And if each of us does our small part, we can be the difference that our planet needs.” For more information, visit www.rescueplastics.com.
