Founded in 2009 by Javier Goyeneche, ECOALF was born with a mission to use Earth's resources responsibly and carefully to ensure a safe and healthy planet for future generations. With a target to become carbon-zero by 2030, the brand is committed to sustainability in responsible production, carbon-neutral stores and repurposing materials.

ECOALF is leading the way in sustainability by transforming waste into high-quality materials for fashion. For instance, they recycle over 275 million PET bottles into yarn, which is then used to create garments like the Ocean Yarn Collection.

Additionally, ECOALF innovates with materials like recycled cotton, wool, and even post-consumer coffee grounds. In other words, they repurpose everyday waste to create premium apparel. However, the brand’s commitment doesn’t stop at material innovation.

Most importantly, ECOALF focuses on reducing water consumption, saving over 285 million litres by using 100% recycled cotton and regenerative cotton, which is grown with a focus on biodiversity and soil health. Thus, their approach not only addresses waste but also promotes environmental responsibility.

"The greatest things in life have been given to us by Earth, and we owe the same to our kids and future generations." - Javier Goyeneche (CEO) ECOALF

ECOALF Recycled Materials in the Making

Since 2009, ECOALF has been innovating new materials derived from waste because its mission is to use the least amount of natural resources possible in its processes (materials, energy, transport). Made from 60% mono-material, ECOALF ensures its products can be respun into new fibres.

ECOALF is redefining sustainable fashion by transforming waste into high-quality garments through innovation and circular design. The brand repurposes discarded materials such as PET plastic bottles, old car tyres, fishing nets, and post-consumer textiles to create durable and stylish fabrics.

The brand is now also incorporating natural materials with low environmental impacts, such as hemp, linen, and cellulose fibres, to create its apparel.

Polyester at ECOALF

ECOALF believes in the value of polyester due to its durability and recyclability properties. Specifically, recycled polyester offers a significant environmental advantage, as it helps reduce carbon emissions by 60% and cuts energy consumption by 50% compared to traditional polyester manufacturing.

As a result, the brand can create high-quality garments while reducing the environmental impact of production. Furthermore, this approach helps divert waste from landfills by repurposing polyester fibres, which ultimately supports the circular economy.

With over 275 million PET bottles recycled into pellets and later spun into yarn, ECOALF is helping reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and creating high-quality garments as seen in their Ocean Yarn Collection.

Cotton at ECOALF

Cotton is a natural fibre with great potential, but its cultivation and harvesting are labour-intensive and require substantial drinkable water to be wasted. Mass cotton production is a major contributor to water waste.

In 2023, ECOALF used 100% recycled cotton and, in 2024, introduced regenerative cotton—grown with a focus on soil health, biodiversity protection, and social responsibility. By avoiding new cotton production and reusing cotton fibres, ECOALF saved over 285 million litres of water.

With over 500 fabrics developed, ECOALF has pioneered materials derived from recycled wool, recycled cashmere, post-consumer coffee grounds, old car tyres, recycled nylon, and artificial cellulose fibres, among other sustainable alternatives—all designed to be reprocessed and remade.

Digital Product Passport

ECOALF is ahead of the game by providing full traceability of products and ensuring transparency from business to consumer. As sustainability becomes more relevant, brands will be required to provide a Digital Product Passport with information on the product's sourcing of materials, manufacturing, care and disposal instructions.

Read the full article on Digital Product Passport >>

ECOALF Foundation

The ECOALF Foundation was established in 2015 in Spain with the mission to create a space for innovation and circular economy development as well as advocacy for ocean preservation. With our oceans rapidly declining with 8 million tonnes of waste entering each year, most of it ends up at the bottom of the ocean where only trawlers and fishing boats can retrieve it.

ECOALF founder Javier Goyeneche explains:

"In 2015, I had the opportunity to embark on a trawler and see with my own eyes the amount of garbage that ends up at the bottom of the ocean. From that experience, the ECOALF Foundation was born." - Javier Goyeneche

Image source The Guardian

At ECOALF Foundation, they want to become part of the solution, their vision of cleaning the oceans of waste with help from fishermen and international alliances and turning it into high-quality materials.

The brand is committed to connecting with communities in events and volunteering initiatives to help reduce the waste in the oceans with its Upcycling the Oceans project.

ECOALF exemplifies how innovation, responsibility, and education can converge to address environmental challenges. By transforming waste into high-quality fashion, promoting transparency through initiatives like the Digital Product Passport, and actively engaging in ocean conservation via the ECOALF Foundation, the brand sets a benchmark for sustainability in the fashion industry.

All images ECOALF