Rapha launches original Classic Collection again using recycled materials

Rapha the sportswear and lifestyle brand has relaunched its original Classic Collection using recycled polyester fabric as a part of its commitment to become a carbon-neutral business by 2025.

Rapha’s launched its first-ever product in 2004 which was original Classic Jersey. The product was credited with creating a new aesthetic for road cycling as it was made from an innovative blend of polyester and merino wool. It was designed with a timeless style based on the team jerseys of the past.

The latest versions of the Classic Jersey II and Classic Bib Shorts retain the same detailing and fit of the original product. But the main feature of the new product is that it has been updated with a new version of its Rapha Performance Merino 150 (RPM150) fabric, which now incorporates 64% recycled polyester and 36% merino.

Ralpha said that its reliance on virgin materials was reduced by the use of recycled polyester which also gave it a second life to materials that would otherwise go to landfill. In general, considering the overall, this change reduces its environmental impact without compromising product performance and durability.

The recycled polyester yarn used in the creation of the collection is GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certified which means that it can be traced back to the post-consumer plastic bottles from which it originated.

Even the merino content used can be traced back to the post-consumer plastic bottles from which it originated. Rapha says that next year its RPM supplier will achieve RWS (Responsible Wool Standard) certification which is the highest standard in the industry.

As per Ralpha, the relaunch of the Classic Collection is among one of the steps towards its journey of minimizing its social and environmental impact. It has been working in the last few years to make changes to its business. The company has recently published Impact Commitments which sets out a roadmap that explains how Ralpha aims to be carbon-neutral by 2025.

Apart from the recycled content in the collection other measures include the transition to 100% low impact packaging, 100% renewable energy, and environmentally preferred materials across 90% of its seasonal production.

Rapha’s sustainability manager, Duncan Coulter said that swapping out fabric on one jersey actually has a domino effect for our environmental impact as a brand and this might sound insignificant at first. Starting here makes a big statement as this jersey was Rapha’s first product. He said they could have focused on a less important product or even developed a whole new low-impact collection. But starting with their most iconic garment would make a statement that this commitment to doing things better comes straight from the heart of the brand.

It will cost around £110/$150 for the men’s and women’s Classic Jersey II while the men’s and women’s Classic Bib Shorts will cost £170/$235.