Have you ever wondered what happens to all the rubbish that ends up on the seabed? Plastic bottles, packaging, fishing gear debris… they all pose a threat to our oceans and marine life. Fortunately, thanks to innovative initiatives like Upcycling the Oceans, this waste can be given a second life in the form of sustainable clothing and accessories. This is how sea thread was born: a high-quality recycled polyester made from PET bottles recovered by fishermen along our coasts.
Why use sea thread to make clothing?
The environmental impact of ghost nets in the ocean
Every year, thousands of tonnes of plastic waste end up in the sea. Once there, the waste slowly breaks down into microplastics, affecting fish, turtles, birds, and disrupting the balance of the marine ecosystem. This pollution harms not only biodiversity but also the communities that rely on the sea for their livelihoods.
A second life for the plastic polluting our oceans
Recycling marine plastic waste—especially PET bottles—turns an environmental problem into a sustainable solution. Sea thread not only reduces the amount of waste in our oceans, but also replaces virgin materials, lowering the consumption of natural resources and CO₂ emissions.
How marine waste is transformed into clothing
Collecting and cleaning marine materials
The process begins with the collection of abandoned waste in collaboration with local fishermen and environmental organisations. This marine debris is then taken to sorting centres where it is carefully separated. Of all the materials collected, only PET plastic is suitable for textile recycling.
Recycling process and creation of sustainable thread
The selected PET bottles are cleaned, shredded and turned into flakes, which are then transformed into recycled polyester fibre. This results in a strong, durable, and versatile thread—perfect for producing garments and accessories that are committed to protecting the planet.
Responsible manufacturing and conscious design
The recycled thread is used to create fabrics that are then crafted into garments, blending style, functionality and environmental responsibility, offering consumers fashion choices that do not compromise the planet.
Fashion that looks after the planet and your style
Strong, durable, high-quality materials
Garments made from sea thread are not only an eco-friendly alternative—they also stand out for their quality. This recycled polyester is soft, hard-wearing and extremely versatile, making it ideal for everything from jackets to trainers.
Some of our favourite items that blend design, comfort and sustainability include:
- Women’s Deia knit trainers in light blue: lightweight, comfortable, and made with recycled marine plastic thread. Perfect for an urban, eco-conscious look.
- Men’s Mumbai trainers in white and green: modern and versatile, ideal for those who opt for stylish sustainability.
- Men’s Conde knit trainers in white: elegant and minimalist design with a positive impact.
- Men’s California trainers in navy blue: a classic choice made with innovative materials.
Beyond footwear: accessories that also make a difference
Ecoalf doesn’t stop at sustainable footwear—it has also developed a range of accessories made with sea thread. The most notable collections include:
- Women’s accessories: backpacks, bags and caps designed with an urban style and produced from recycled marine plastic. Perfect for those who seek practicality, design and environmental commitment in their everyday lives.
- Men’s footwear: sustainable trainers that combine comfort and contemporary aesthetics with a positive environmental impact.
Each item made from marine waste is a double win—we reduce ocean pollution and breathe new life into materials that would otherwise take centuries to break down. Wearing Ecoalf is a statement of intent: looking after the planet without compromising on design or quality.
Ecoalf: innovation and environmental commitment
Ecoalf is a pioneering Spanish brand in the creation of sustainable fashion using recycled materials. Since it was founded, the company has worked tirelessly to turn waste into valuable resources, producing clothing and accessories that are not only stylish but also planet-friendly.
Through initiatives like Upcycling the Oceans, Ecoalf collaborates with fishermen and organisations to collect marine waste and give it a new life in the form of garments. This dedication to sustainability has earned the brand international recognition and established it as a benchmark in the ethical fashion industry.