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VILEBREQUIN AND PLASTIC ODYSSEY WANT TO PUT A STOP TO OCEAN PLASTICS

31 August 2021 - Collaborations

If we’re going to turn the tap off on ocean plastics, we all need to get on board. This fall, Vilebrequin and non-profit organization Plastic Odyssey are asking you to lend a hand…
Stay tuned! You will soon be able to help with our exclusive Manolo swimtrunk.

A man wearing a printed men’s swim shorts

Two man from the back with Plastic Odyssey Polos

MEDITERRANEAN CONNECTION

Over 200,000 tons of plastic. That’s the amount that ends up leaking into the Mediterranean Sea each year according to a recent IUCN report. Equivalent to over 500 shipping containers a day, it’s set to double by 2040—unless we act immediately.

Deeply indebted to the Mediterranean—right where Vilebrequin’s very own odyssey began in Saint-Tropez back in 1971—the House has been working to turn the tide on plastic pollution for some years now. Take Seaqual®: introduced several seasons ago for Vilebrequin’s new essential, the MAN sustainable swim trunk, this luxe-feel 100% recycled yarn uses plastics recovered from the Mediterranean Sea in partnership with local fishermen.

Every pair of MAN trunks gives new life to 200g of plastic waste. And by 2023, recycled or recyclable materials will come to represent 80% of Vilebrequin’s swimwear and ready-to-wear collections. It’s a journey towards a more sustainable future that we’re committed to taking, one summer at a time.

For Plastic Odyssey, Vilebrequin has created an exclusive printed version of the MAN trunk combining the brand’s signature turtle and the non-profit’s logo in ocean-perfect hues. By purchasing a pair of these sustainable swim shorts, consumers will be paying it forward, directly contributing 30 euros towards the non-profit’s future projects.

LOOKING FOR SOLUTIONS OVER LAND AND SEA

Plastic Odyssey and Vilebrequin’s missions are very similar: finding new and innovative solutions to a cleaner ocean, starting upstream of the problem. By the time plastic makes it to sea, it’s already too late. Only 1% of plastics actually float, meaning the rest either sink or break down irretrievably into microparticles, finding their way into the food chain. Just consider this: we ingest an average of 5 grams of plastic every week. Not a very appetizing thought...

Aware that global challenges require local actions, Plastic Odyssey are undertaking a journey spanning three years, three continents and thirty different cities. After setting sail from France this Fall, their purpose-built laboratory will travel to the areas most badly affected by pollution: 80% of marine pollution currently comes from developing countries.

Reducing and recycling plastic waste before it gets to the ocean can be accessible to all. Acting as an ambassador for this message, Plastic Odyssey’s vessel will feature a fully operational on-board R&D laboratory for developing recycling technologies (sorting, shredding, extrusion, pyrolysis…) as well as a showroom for educating and empowering communities on the alternatives.

When it comes to our oceans, there are no small changes or small contributions.

A man wearing a Plastic Odyssey polo from the back

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