ALLIED Feather + Down, NetPlus, and Resortecs Partner with Peak Performance to Launch a Breakthrough Circular Jacket
ALLIED Feather + Down, NetPlus®, PERTEX, and Resortecs have partnered with Swedish backcountry ski apparel brand Peak Performance to debut a new milestone in circular design. Together, they have created the R&D Helium Loop Anorak, a jacket engineered to enable true recyclability while delivering high performance.
Solving the Challenge of Multi-Material Recycling
Traditionally, performance apparel includes multiple components like down insulation, zippers, and elastic trims. These mixed materials make recycling extremely difficult because they are hard to separate at end-of-life.
However, this collaborative project proves that smart design combined with innovative materials can change the sustainability landscape.
“For years now, brands have wanted to introduce more circularity into their products, but the onus has fallen on their ingredient partners and startups to make that happen,” said Matthew Betcher, Creative Director with ALLIED. “The reality is that garments need to be designed for circularity before any sense of recyclability can even start to be possible…”
Innovative Materials that Enable Circularity
Each partner contributes critical technology to the Helium Loop Anorak:
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ALLIED provides 800-fill power down, a renewable, recyclable, and biodegradable insulation.
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NetPlus transforms discarded fishing nets into 100 percent PCR nylon yarn, preventing ocean pollution.
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PERTEX weaves the shell and lining fabrics from NetPlus material.
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Resortecs develops Smart Stitch™, a heat-activated thread that melts during controlled Smart Disassembly™, making material separation efficient.
Designing for Disassembly
“At the end of the product’s lifespan, Smart Stitch™ allows the stitching to dissolve, enabling both the down and outer shell fabrics to be recycled individually,” the teams explained.
Designer Marie Andersson shared, “The core insight is that true circularity isn’t about accepting compromises, it’s about engineering garments to be unmade as thoughtfully as they’re made…”
Driving Industry Change
David Stover, CEO of Bureo, added, “The Helium Loop R&D project demonstrates how responsible materials and design can prevent pollution and reduce reliance on fossil fuels – a win for the outdoor community…”
A Step Toward Peak Performance’s 2030 Circularity Goal
Ultimately, the R&D Helium Loop Anorak reinforces Peak Performance’s long-term commitment to achieving complete range circularity by 2030. The project also stands as a model for future product lines and the broader outdoor industry.
