Osprey Announces 70 Per-Cent Recycled Packs

Recycled clothing, fleece in particular, is nothing new, but Osprey will be launching a pack series made from 70 per-cent recycled materials this July.

The Resource Series of four day-packs and two courier packs took two years to develop and features recycled materials wherever commerically possible, though that has come at a price - Osprey says that the main body fabric of the packs is four times more expensive made from recycled materials than virgin textiles.

As an example, the Circuit 32 day-pack contains 18 recycled one-litre plastic bottles from consumer waste and uses other components like regrind plastic buckles made from manufacturing waste.

The pack also has recycled mesh pockets, spacer mesh, stretch woven pockets, binding tape, webbing and zipper pulls. Even the hang-tags you'll find on the packs in the shops are made from recycled card and the packs are delivered in recycled polybags.

Patagonia has been flying the flag for recycled and recyclable outdoor gear for years now, but it's good to see other brands starting to show greater ecological awareness and you can expect to see more and more recycled fleece from major brands over the next few years.

The Resource Series packs will be in the shops in July 2007 and comprise  Revo 22, £30; Cypher 26, £40; React 28, £35; and the Circuit 32, £50.   The two courier bags consist of the Astro 18, £40; and the Elroy 25 £50.

More information about Osprey at www.ospreypacks.com