Breakthrough Umbrellas, Slippers, Gloves and Knits Made from Recycled Materials
CINCINNATI, OH – February, 2008 – totes»ISOTONER announced today the introduction of a new, breakthrough line of earth-friendly umbrellas, slippers, gloves and knits – proving further that “green” truly is the “new black.” The new lines are called “ecosentials™” for the Isotoner offerings and “eco ‘brella™” for the totes environmentally responsible umbrella. The ‘brella and slipper product lines launch in early spring and will be offered online at totes-Isotoner.com and in fine department stores. The cold weather products including gloves and knits will be available online and in stores this fall.
The products offer a variety of earth-friendly attributes, including an umbrella canopy made of 100 percent recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) plastic bottles, ecosentials gloves that have the look and feel of nylon but are made of 100 percent recycled polyester from PET plastic bottles and bamboo blend terry slippers, among many other offerings.
Why Green, Why Now
“We found a great way to create fashionable products that incorporate recycled and renewable materials and are in keeping with our principles of comfort, quality and performance,” said Michael Katz, totes»ISOTONER Senior Vice President, U.S. Wholesale Division.
Product Offerings and Availability
Products in the new eco-friendly line come in a variety of colors and styles for both men and women (see attached product fact sheets for a complete list of colors, pricing and eco details). The items range in price from $16.99 to $48. Products in the line include:
- The Auto Open/Close eco ‘brella – which has a canopy made of 100 recycled PET plastic bottles, frame parts made of 70 percent recycled metals and plastics and a bamboo handle.
- The Ecosentials Bamboo Blend Terry Slipper – which is made of 72 percent viscose from bamboo and 28 percent polyester.
- The Ecosentials Packable Sport Glove – which has a shell with the look and feel of nylon, but is made of 100 percent recycled PET plastic bottles and has a100 percent recycled polyester lining. The Ecosentials Stretch Fleece Commuter Glove (lined and unlined) – which is made of 94 percent recycled polyester and six percent Lycra®.
- The Ecosentials Bamboo Stretch Knit Glove – which is made of 95 percent viscose from bamboo and five percent Lycra®.
- The Ecosentials Knit Coordinates – which are made of 100 percent viscose from bamboo.
The ‘brella and slipper product lines will be offered in March online at totes-Isotoner.com and in fine department stores including select Macy’s, Sears, Bon Ton, Boscov’s and Mervyn's. The cold weather products including gloves and knits will be available this fall online at totes-Isotoner.com and in fine department stores.
Important Recycling Facts.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, today, the U.S. recycles 32.5 percent of its waste, a rate that has almost doubled during the past 15 years. While recycling has grown in general, recycling of specific materials has grown even more drastically, including:
- 52 percent of all paper
- 31 percent of all plastic soft drink bottles
- 45 percent of all aluminum beer and soft drink cans
For more information on totes»ISOTONER’s eco ‘brella and ecosentials family of products visit totes-isotoner.com.
