For each full-size blanket sold, an average of 218 plastic bottles are recycled and reused. To extend an extra helping hand to the planet, Horseware Ireland have partnered with One Tree Planted, and have pledged to plant a tree for every Amigo AmECO 12 Plus blanket sold. Clare Silke, Horseware Ireland’s product innovation manager is proud of the company’s direction. “Our vision for the future at Horseware Ireland is to become 100 per cent circular. By using renewable and/or recycled materials, we hope to help promote sustainability in every aspect of our customers’ daily life, helping them to make better informed decisions related to product design.”
EUROPEAN TRENDS
Reduce, reuse, recycle If looking after the planet is high on your agenda, there’s lots to love about Horseware Ireland’s Eco collection, writes JESS MORTON.
A
s we become more aware of some of our less than sustainable habits, recycled
Earlier this year, Horseware Ireland launched the highly anticipated Eco collection, which includes the Amigo
plastic has arguably become a big thing.
AmECO 12 Plus turnout rug. This
And with growing concern over climate
groundbreaking rug is made from rPET
change, a new generation of ecologically
(recycled polyethylene terephthalate),
minded equestrian designers is
derived from recycled plastic bottles.
pioneering ways to use recycled plastics in their products, including the manufacture of turn out rugs.
Aisling McGee, one of Horseware Ireland’s designers, is similarly inspired. “As a designer I strive to develop and create products with a long life span, meaning less waste in our landfills. We have a responsibility to use our skills to solve problems. Each product we create needs to have a purpose if we want to move away from a throw away culture. We all need to do what we can to help eliminate pollution.” All Rambo turnout rugs are now sold in a sturdy ‘Bag for Life’, which is designed to be used either for storing the rug, or as an equestrian gear bag. Some super handy features include a stash pocket on the side, a roll top closure for easy access, and with handy adjustable shoulder straps the bag can even be used as a rucksack.
Empty PET bottles are collected, washed, and turned into flakes, which are then melted into tiny pellets before
Even though, for the moment, only a
being extruded and spun into polyester
small portion of equestrian brands use
yarn. The entire process is certified by
recycled materials for their turnout
Global Recycled Standards to ensure
collections, this still represents a
only plastic bottles derived from actual
massive breakthrough within the
consumer waste are used, and that the
equestrian industry. As more and more
production process uses less water,
brands work together to help combat
fewer chemicals, and produces less CO2
pollution, the demand for recycled
than occurs in the manufacture of virgin
alternatives will no doubt boom.
polyester yarns.
All Rambo turnout rugs are sold in a Bag for Life. TOP: Horseware Ireland has launched their highly anticipated Eco collection. E Q U E S T R I A N H U B . C O M . AU | 67
