Best Camping Innovation: Camping Awards 2024

WINNER – Best Camping Innovation 2024

Craghoppers C02RENU Fleece

£80

Why the Craghoppers C02RENU Fleece?

By now we’re all familiar with the concept of recycling and how it’s possible to repurpose seemingly random materials and use them again in a completely different context; turning plastic drink bottles into tent fabric, for example. Well, outdoor clothing specialist, Craghoppers, has taken that to the next level by recycling actual carbon emissions and turning them into clothing.

Science was never the Camping team’s strongest subject at school – we all spent too much time gazing out of the classroom window and thinking about what we could be doing out there instead. So, when we had this explained to us, it all got a bit hazy. However, what we do understand is that CO2Renu uses 100% recycled fabric, up to 30% of which is fibres made from recycled carbon emissions, rather than recycled plastic.

The environmental benefit, of course, is that the carbon would otherwise be emitted as CO2, with all the harmful effects that brings to the planet.

Now the science bit… the process begins by intercepting carbon emissions from industry, then fermenting the carbon into liquid ethanol and finally polymerising it into fibres. This is then the starting point for Craghoppers to create some of its recycled polyester blends, ultimately resulting in the finished product – in this case a fleece.

(photo courtesy of Craghoppers)

(photo courtesy of Craghoppers)

As far as we know, this is the first time anyone in the outdoor industry has used this technology as part of the manufacturing process and it feels like a significant and important step forward. We firmly believe that the outdoor industry has a responsibility to lead the way on reducing the harm to our planet – after all, we are ones who are out there enjoying the environment more than anyone else.

Of course, as is always the case, there’s very little point to any of this if the end product is rubbish, so we’re happy to report that’s not the case. The CO2Renu fleeces – available as jackets and half-zips for both men and women – are cosy, comfortable and look good. So, really, it’s a win for everyone.

Just don’t expect us to understand or explain how this works – we don’t know how electricity works, either! But take it from us that it’s a Good Thing.