ECOALF pioneer in sustainable fashion from plastic waste collected in seas since 2009
Javier Goyeneche, Founder & President of ECOALF :
"The concept arose in 2009 from my frustration with the excessive use of the world's natural resources and the amount of waste produced by industrialized countries. The idea was to create a fashion brand that is truly sustainable.
Our goal is to create the first generation of recycled products with the same quality, design and techcnical properties as the best non-recycled products. That way we show that there is no need to use our world's natural resources in a careless way."
Photos © ECOALF 2018
Mission and vision of ECOALF is simple and based of circular economy concept. They inspire us to stop using natural resources in a careless way to create the first generation of recycled products with the same quality and design as the best non- recycled products.
This is not another new green washing of another polluting brand but a A to Z concept but a real sustainable concept.
ECOALF has developed over 250 fabrics, giving a second life to materials that were once left behind. Only through very sophisticated and innovative processes we can achieve the textures we want.
"Where others see trash, ECOALF sees premium quality raw materials." says Javier Goyeneche.
ECOALF’s first flagship store is set in the buzzling center of Madrid. World renowned interior designer Lorenzo del Castillo was in charge of the design of the shop, which sought to further the brand’s ethos: innovative sustainability. Columns made from recycled wood give a touch of nature to the modern store.
The first exclusive international flagship store was opened on November 2017 in Berlin. This ground-breaking shop depicts the best of edge-cutting design utilizing sustainable materials. Built with the support of Greenpeace Energy, the building meets the highest standards of energy efficiency. The stores offer much more than a sustainable fashion brand, you will find architecture, design, books and beauty, which build a sustainable lifestyle experience that is true to the brand's philosophy.
Both stores offer a multidisciplinary space where you can discover, explore and interact with nature and impactful sea and ocean images. Designed specifically for events, documentaries, conferences and talks but also available for anyone who simply wants to relax and enjoy nature.
ECOALF's approach towards sustainability is holistic and all encompassing, expanding far beyond clothing. Through the brand, ECOALF hopes not only to halt the excessive use and disposal of raw materials, but also, to create a global consciousness that is more aware of their impact on their surroundings.
Following this idea, ECOALF uses its store space for monthly events known as ACT NOW. A platform to unite voices and empower the community.
The goal: to create conscious synergy and offer a space to teach and learn about fashion, innovation and sustainability. Through these events, ECOALF spreads its message while generating a community of trail-blazers that will advocate for the world to treat Planet Earth in a more responsible way. Why? Because there is no Planet B.
ECOALF, through its foundation, has embarked into an unprecedented worldwide adventure that will help remove waste from the bottom of the oceans thanks to the support of fishermen: our heroes.
Its main objective is to recover the trash that is destroying our oceans and transform it into top quality yarn to produce fabrics and tailor clothes and accessories.
UTO started in September 2015 in the Mediterranean Coast of Levante (Spain), and is currently expanding throughout the country. There are over 32 ports and 2,500 fishermen partaking in the project. Over 250 tons of waste have been recovered from the bottom of the ocean off the Spanish coast.
In 2017, the Thai government contacts the foundation to replicate the project in four areas of the southeast- Asian country. A three year agreement is signed between the Ecoalf Foundation, the Tourism Authority of Thailand and PTTGC to replicate Upcycling the Oceans. In addition to the trilateral partnership, beach cleaning associations, the scuba diving community, tourists and local waste collectors have engaged in the battle for a cleaner and less polluted ocean.
The revolutionary project aims to be replicated all over the world. ECOALF is the first Spanish fashion brand to become B Corp. This certification recognizes ECOALF for meeting higher standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability, and furthermore, for using their power of business to resolve environmental problems.
Not only is ECOALF one of the best companies in the world, but it is now one of the best companies for the world.
You can order them on the brand's website: https://ecoalf.com/ue/ and find out more about the brand on its Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ECOALF