Arc'teryx has unveiled System 0, a circular design framework covering the product's entire life cycle, according to FashionUnited UK. The Vancouver-based brand is inaugurating it with the Sperro SV, a new hardshell jacket it describes as the « most advanced hardshell jacket » in its catalogue.
The Sperro SV will launch in stores worldwide and on arcteryx.com on 4 September. It is made with Gore-Tex Pro fabric featuring the ePE membrane, developed jointly with the Gore-Tex brand, while the outer nylon fabric and backer were designed for recyclability with Aquafil, maker of the regenerated nylon Econyl.
Repair, then regeneration
The product includes three years of unlimited repairs outside warranty through Arc'teryx's ReBIRD system. Once it can no longer be repaired, the jacket is shredded to separate the nylon from the Gore-Tex membrane, and the nylon returns to Aquafil to be regenerated into virgin-quality Econyl yarn.
The Sperro SV is also the first product certified under the Testex Circularity standard, a standard Arc'teryx helped define to fill a gap in existing criteria. Ahead of its launch, the jacket was field-tested by mountaineering professionals, including Vancouver's North Shore Rescue team, and reinforced at common failure points.
Extending the framework across the range
Stuart Haselden is Chief Executive Officer of Arc'teryx and Katie Becker is its Chief Design Officer. Over the coming years, Arc'teryx plans to apply the System 0 design framework across its entire product range.
