FASHION

Recycled Ocean Plastic in High-Performance APACHE STAR Outerwear

Recycled ocean plastic bottle emerging from clouds in dramatic lighting.

APACHE STAR was recently featured in an interview by Tocco Earth, the world's premier platform for future materials and design with a focus on sustainability. The interview highlights APACHE STAR high-performance outerwear line made from recycled ocean plastics, combining environmental sustainability with fashion innovation.

How do recycled plastic bottles from the ocean get transformed into fabric for your jackets?

The process of transforming recycled plastic bottles from the ocean into fabric for jackets, such as the TIDAL TACTICS EXPEDITION down jackets, involves several steps.

It begins with the collection of plastic bottles from the ocean, which are then thoroughly cleaned and sorted by type, focusing specifically on PET plastic. These bottles are shredded into small flakes and melted down into a molten plastic mass. This molten plastic is extruded through fine holes to create thin fibers, which are then spun into yarn. The yarn is woven or knitted into fabric, depending on the desired texture and function. The fabric undergoes finishing processes, including dyeing and treatment, to enhance its durability and appearance.

Finally, the finished fabric is cut and sewn into the TIDAL TACTICS EXPEDITION down jackets. This process turns ocean waste into sustainable, high-performance outerwear, embodying both environmental responsibility and functional design.

Can you explain the process behind your CO₂ extraction and removal projects in collaboration with Stripe Climate?

APACHE STAR partners with Stripe Climate to support carbon extraction and removal projects as part of a broader effort to combat climate change. No company can tackle climate change alone, which is why Stripe Climate brings together over 25,000 forward-thinking companies across 39 countries to aggregate demand for CO₂ removal.

Through this partnership, APACHE STAR donates 1% of its revenue to Stripe Climate, which selects and funds carbon reduction projects worldwide. These projects employ various techniques, such as Direct Air Capture (DAC) to capture CO₂ from the atmosphere, ocean-based methods to enhance natural carbon absorption, and biomass or soil sequestration for permanent carbon storage.

The captured CO₂ is either stored underground or converted into long-lasting materials, with all projects undergoing rigorous monitoring and verification. By participating in this global initiative, APACHE STAR helps spread effective solutions and makes a significant contribution to reducing atmospheric carbon.

Direct Air Carbon Technology (Photo courtesy of Carbon Engeenering)

Can you describe the methods used to create plastic-free shipping materials and ensure their effectiveness in protecting your products?

The development of plastic-free shipping materials focuses on environmentally friendly alternatives that effectively protect our lifestyle kits. We use biodegradable and compostable materials, such as paper, cardboard, and cornstarch-based packaging, which are both durable and recyclable. Natural fillers, like shredded paper and wood wool, cushion our products while being fully biodegradable. We also use paper tape with natural adhesives, replacing traditional plastic tape.

Additionally, our high-performance jackets are shipped in sustainable leather covers, offering optimal protection during travel and aligning with our commitment to eliminating plastic. Our packaging is carefully designed for both fit and protection, with all materials rigorously tested to withstand the challenges of shipping.

How do you balance the need for durable, high-performance materials with sustainability goals?

APACHE STAR achieves a balance between durability and sustainability by choosing materials that are both high-performance and eco-friendly, such as recycled plastics and sustainably sourced fabrics. We employ advanced technologies to enhance material strength while minimising environmental impact.

Our practices include using recyclable packaging and reducing waste during production. All materials undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet high-performance standards while remaining environmentally responsible. Furthermore, we continually explore new sustainable materials and technologies to further improve both durability and sustainability.

What upcoming innovations and trends in materials and design is APACHE STAR excited to explore in the next five years?

Over the next five years, APACHE STAR will explore several key innovations. We aim to integrate advanced sustainable materials, such as bio-manufactured textiles and improved recycled fabrics, offering enhanced durability and environmental benefits.

We are also exploring smart fabrics with integrated technology for real-time performance monitoring, along with adaptable materials. Circular design principles will be applied to create products that are more recyclable and durable.

Additionally, we plan to utilise 3D printing for customised designs and to reduce production waste, while researching new eco-friendly finishing techniques that improve fabric performance and sustainability. These innovations will allow us to lead in both design and environmental responsibility.

ABOUT THE BRAND

APACHE STAR is a fashion and lifestyle label inspired by the rebellious spirit of extreme athlete Roger Klüh. In 2015, Klüh set a world record by crossing from the USA to Cuba in the two-time World Champion Powerboat, Apache Star. The brand’s adventure kits are designed for those who can't be pigeonholed, offering the confidence to achieve even the highest goals. APACHE STAR pays tribute to this bold and daring spirit, empowering individuals to embrace their own potential.

Source: tocco.earth | 06.12.2024

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Sustainability & Innovation at APACHE STAR

  • How does APACHE STAR transform recycled ocean plastic bottles into high-performance jacket fabric?

    The process starts with collecting and cleaning ocean-recovered plastic bottles, focusing on PET materials. These are shredded into flakes, melted down, and extruded into fine fibers. The fibers are spun into yarn, woven into durable, high-performance fabric, and finished with dyeing and treatment processes. The result is premium outerwear — like the TIDAL TACTICS EXPEDITION jackets — that merges advanced performance with environmental responsibility.

  • What role does Stripe Climate play in APACHE STAR’s CO₂ removal initiatives?

    APACHE STAR donates 1% of its revenue to Stripe Climate, supporting global CO₂ extraction and removal projects. These include Direct Air Capture, ocean-based carbon absorption, and biomass sequestration. All projects undergo strict verification, ensuring measurable impact. This collaboration amplifies APACHE STAR’s commitment to combating climate change on a global scale.

  • How does APACHE STAR ensure that plastic-free packaging still protects its products effectively?

    We use biodegradable and compostable materials — including paper, cardboard, and cornstarch-based packaging — combined with natural fillers like wood wool and shredded paper. High-performance jackets are shipped in sustainable leather covers for premium protection. Every packaging component is tested for durability, sustainability, and shipping resilience.

  • How does APACHE STAR balance performance, durability, and sustainability?

    We combine advanced engineering with eco-responsible materials. Recycled ocean plastics and sustainably sourced fabrics deliver high strength, weather protection, and longevity while minimizing environmental footprint. Each material is rigorously lab-tested to meet our performance standards without compromising sustainability.

  • Which material and design innovations will APACHE STAR explore next?

    Future developments include bio-manufactured textiles, smart fabrics with built-in sensors, and 3D-printed components to minimize waste. Circular design will ensure greater recyclability and longevity — advancing both innovation and environmental responsibility in luxury outerwear.

THE WORLD IS MINE

EXPLORE

THE APACHE STAR LIFESTYLE LABEL

DESIGNER FASHION

Rugged luxury, built to move. APACHE STAR® fuses vintage offshore-powerboat attitude with modern performance — technical outerwear, precision-cut layers, and statement pieces that work on the street and on the water. Our 2025 collection debuted at Paris Fashion Week, presented by brand ambassador Lilly Becker.

  • Weather-ready, wind- and water-repellent sustainable fabrics
  • Smart details like an integrated thermometer, cigar-compartment, and carry-strap systems
  • A clean, military-nautical aesthetic and signature Apache Orange

Own the moment. Explore the latest drops and limited editions — crafted for people who don’t idle.

Shop APACHE STAR® FASHION

Rugged luxury, built to move. APACHE STAR® fuses vintage offshore-powerboat attitude with modern performance — technical outerwear, precision-cut layers, and statement pieces that work on the street and on the water. Our 2025 collection debuted at Paris Fashion Week, presented by brand ambassador Lilly Becker.

  • Weather-ready, wind- and water-repellent sustainable fabrics
  • Smart details like an integrated thermometer, cigar-compartment, and carry-strap systems
  • A clean, military-nautical aesthetic and signature Apache Orange

Own the moment. Explore the latest drops and limited editions — crafted for people who don’t idle.

Shop APACHE STAR® FASHION