Shackleton launches world's first ultra-eco expedition jacket

By

Nigel TAYLOR

Published
Jan 5, 2021

There’s cold and then there’s Antarctic cold. So extreme weather-wear specialist Shackleton has produced a “world-first expedition-grade parka” in partnership with  Antarctic conservation group Blue Marine Foundation.

What makes it unique is that the Antarctic Protector Parka is made out of 100% recycled plastic bottles. Those post-consumer plastic bottles make up the fully waterproof shell while the RDS-certified 95/5 800-fill goose down provides insulation down to -25 degrees C.

The parka has been developed for Blue’s field operatives working in Antarctica’s coastal zones “which combine some of the wettest, windiest and coldest conditions anywhere in the world”.

The collaboration is also part of a wider partnership between Shackleton and Blue to campaign for the protection of Antarctica. It also coincides with 99th anniversary of explorer Ernest Shackleton’s death on 5 January 1922.

Martin Brooks, co-founder of Shackleton, said: “These notorious conditions set the standard for which all our apparel is developed to perform.

“For Antarctica’s coast, that means seam-sealed waterproofing of minimum 20,000 H/H and insulation to minus 25. We believe the Protector is the first jacket to hit this performance standard using fully recycled fabrics”.

The jacket, which is available in black and white, and black, is limited to just 100 units. Shackleton said for every jacket sold it will donate £100 to Blue to help protect Antarctic Seas.

While that limited edition won't exactly light a fire under the brand's sales, initiatives such as this are an important part of the whole marketing approach for the label and help reinforce it as a performance brand. And it also highlights its commitment to sustainability.