Valentino and Stella McCartney take another step towards recycling materials

A record year is ending for the luxury sector, characterised by rising sales, countless new collaborations and multiple initiatives towards a more sustainable industry. From the creation of Nona Source by LVMH, to the innovative materials spotted on the catwalks of recent fashion weeks, luxury brands seem to agree on the importance of playing a central role in sustainability. This week, it was Valentino and Stella McCartney's turn to announce their new projects.

After the success of its "Valentino Sleeping Stock" recycling operation with Tissu Market, which has already resulted in the reuse of 22,000 metres of Haute Couture fabrics, Valentino has announced the continuation of its partnership with the French leader in the fabric resale market. The brand, which has been collaborating with Tissu Market since September 2021, has revealed its support for a new upcycling project focusing on the responsible and creative reuse of its fabrics stored in the archives. "At the origin of this initiative, there is a deep, personal and shared conviction: the importance of recycling as a driver for change, which we intend to establish in the fashion industry," explained Franck Lellouche, founder of Tissu Market, in a statement.

According to information provided by Valentino, the sale of these surplus fabrics has already prevented the emission of 265 tonnes of CO2 and saved more than one million cubic metres of water, thanks to the non-production of additional fabrics. All profits from the sale of these materials will be donated to the brand's "Bottega dell'Arte" programme, which aims to train its future talent.

At the same time, Stella McCartney is continuing its already advanced commitments to sustainability and innovation. This week, the brand partnered with American company Protein Evolution Inc, which has developed a process to recycle the many mixed fibres used in the production of clothing.  This phenomenon is one of the biggest problems in the fashion industry today as it seeks to be more sustainable.  This research and development partnership aims to use Protein Evolution Inc's enzyme-based technology to give new life to synthetic fabrics and other plastic waste. The company focuses primarily on mixed textile waste, including polyester and nylon.