LIVING LOW VELOCITY WITH GLOBE
LIVING LOW VELOCITY WITH GLOBE
In an era where we value quantity over quality and where we buy products as fast as we throw them away, it feels good to hear that some brands are taking a step back in the fast fashion norms we live in today and try to operate in a way that doesn’t affect our planet as bad as it used to. Globe has been a leader in the skate clothing and footwear department for decades and their decision to operate at a lower velocity to protect our playground is an example of how leaders do things in times when change is very much needed.
Don’t get us wrong, taking a step back doesn’t mean making lesser quality products, it’s actually the opposite. The goal here is to make products responsibly and that will last you a long time. Takes more time to make, cost a bit more, but makes a HUGE difference for the environment. 2021 is a whole new chapter for Globe and trust us, this is just the beginning.
Know your history
Before jumping in the heart of the matter and breaking down Globe’s new Eco-Friendly plans, let’s get the Globe facts out of the way so we’re all on the same page here. Globe is a brand that was started in Australia around 1994 by die hard skateboarder brothers Stepher and Peter Hill. Both brothers were pro skaters in the mid 80s and at some point realized they didn’t have enough access to products from the states down in Australia, so they started a distribution named Hardcore Enterprises, specializing in skate related products.
The distribution expanded and a few years later, Globe International Limited produces their own goods which they export to over 100 countries around the world. That’s the Globe we all know today. Globe currently sponsor teams in Skating, Surfing and snowboarding and oversee Globe International Entertainment, the broadcast production arm of the business who premiered their film 'Year Zero' in 2011. As a brand who continues to grow, Globe is innovative, progressive and have a distinct passion about work which few can match.
Now, let’s get to the real business and find out why Globe is now one of the most eco-responsible skate brands in the world and what they do to help keep our playground safe on a day to day basis.
Organic Cotton
Cotton cultivation with organic agricultural methods uses less pesticides than conventional cotton and therefore reduces exposure to toxic chemicals that can be found in soil, air, water and our food chain. Organic farming can also reduce exposure to pesticides and the risks to farmers as well as cotton workers and textiles. For Globe's first Low Velocity range, everything cotton is made from organic yarns and future ranges will carry a more explicit certification.
Repreve Recycled polyester
Repreve is a sustainable ecological fiber, UTRUST certified and made from recycled plastic bottles. By using Repreve recycled polyester fibers instead of virgin polyester, Globe avoids a high level of unnecessary waste, saves energy and significantly reduces its need for primary crude oil extraction.
YKK Natulon Recycled zipper tapings
Designed by the leading manufacturer of zippers in the world, YKK, the Natulon zipper use recycled plastic to prevent more waste to meet in our sites landfill in addition to reducing dependence on virgin plastic supply of the oil industry. That's what you will find on the whole Living Low Velocity collection, nothing else.
PVC AND Phthalate free inks:
The screen printing on garment traditionally uses inks based out of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). These products and chemicals can include phthalates which can be harmful to a human's health. Avoiding their use means safer conditions for workers and safer products everywhere. The Low Velocity products do not contain any PVC or phthalate based inks.
Recycled nylon
10% of oceanic debris are nylon. Recycled nylon keeps our oceans cleaner and uses less oil as a source of raw material.
PFOA-Free DWR coatings
Durable water repellent (DWR) formulas are usually using perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which can potentially be toxic. With the LLV collection, Globe chooses to use formulas without PFOA to avoid these same chemical products all while staying water and stain resistant to help you keep dry and clean and keep your clothes in good condition for a long time.
Cocotex Coconut polyester
Cocotex turns the coconut shells into activated charcoal which is then mixed with polyester, creating a quick-drying, odor-resistant yarn. Over 20 billion coconuts are harvested each year and the majority of their outer shells are treated as waste. With Cocotex, Globe uses a more durable fiber while avoiding sending waste to landfill.
Bleach-free + Dye-Free
The use of thousands of synthetic chemicals to transform textile, raw materials, textile dyeing and treatments create a significant amount of water pollution. Residuals chemicals can penetrate in local water supplies and these can be toxic to humans. In Globe's ongoing efforts to do their best for the environment, the new collection uses bleach & dye free fabrics to reduce this water pollution.
No more plastic bags
In the same frame of mind as the brand's continued efforts to reduce carbon footprint, Globe is looking for alternatives for plastic bags. They estimate that 180 billion bags in polyethylene are manufactured each year worldwide by the fashion industry. Almost all are single use polyethylene bags, rarely recycled. Thanks to Globe's partnership with Vela, more than 97% of all their clothes are now shipped in specifically designed paper garment bags. The Vela bags are made from FSC certified paper and are many easier to recycle for retailers and customers as bags made of polyethylene.
