I have written about BAM clothing before. The company has launched a new collection of what it calls “fully traceable activewear”. The products are also made from natural or recycled fabrics.
Let’s talk about eco
Eco and ethically friendly topics have been on my mind a lot recently. There is a fair amount of greenwashing in the outdoors clothing industry (just as there is across many industries) and deciding which products are “greener” than others is very complicated.
Many brands want to tick boxes for being more environmentally friendly. Many, we would hope, have a conscience about the impact of materials, supply, manufacture and transport, on the environment. Companies are also aware that consumers want to make greener purchases. There are also ethical considerations, such as good conditions and pay for workers.
But finding out the full story of each product is extremely difficult. Some companies apply for accreditations, such as bluesign, Standard 100, Rainforest Alliance Certified, Responsible Down Standard etc
It’s good to see more of these on labels but it’s rarely the full picture. It can also be difficult to compare like for like across products and brands.
For example, one product might be made with 100% recycled outer fabric and comply with the Responsible Down Standard for insulation, yet the emissions produced to make the rest of the product is not detailed, let alone the potential impact to the environment of the supply chain.
Another product might have 50% recycled materials across the entire product and comply with Global Traceable Down Standard yet manufacture takes place many thousands of miles from the sourced materials and many more thousands of miles from the sales location.
As a consumer it’s very difficult to know which products are greener than others because it’s what we are not told rather than what we are told.
BAM’s sustainability pledges
However, there are some brands that are trying harder than others to be transparent throughout the full supply chain. And BAM is one of them.
You can read their sustainability pledges, which are not just hot air because you can read a favourable independent assessment, too.
You should note, however, that while products made of bamboo has advantages, it also has some disadvantages. I noted these in my last article.
In addition, BAM’s manufacture process is based in China, so there are emission impacts because of transport.
BAM’s traceable activewear collection
Over the past five years, BAM has been pushing to understand and reveal the supply chain for each item in its new collection. You can scan the QR code on the label to see:
- Who was involved in making that item (right back to the raw material)
- How it was made
- What materials went into it and why BAM chose those materials
- Information about suppliers – through the supply chain to the raw material, including the working conditions, factory certification etc
- The environmental impact of the product compared to a conventionally made one
- Information on what customers can do to extend the life of their products and reduce the impact of them even more.
We need to trust that the information supplied by BAM is honest. It would be helpful for consumers if there was a more standardised regulation of “green”, eco and ethical claims but this would be very hard to administer across a large industry.
BAM products are also made with plant-based fabrics. Where suitable fabrics didn’t exist, BAM has created its own, including Novea and Mallea. Other new additions to its range include recycled fleeces that are certified recyclable by the Circular Textiles Foundation via the 73 Zero collection.
A word about “recyclable”. This doesn’t necessarily mean its made from “recycled” materials, although BAM’s fleeces are. Recyclable means the product can be more easily recycled at the end of its life.
I have been testing BAM Women’s Novea Crew Neck Training Top and 73 Zero Fleece Jacket. Here are my thoughts.
My thoughts: BAM Women’s Novea Crew Neck Training Top
Features include:
- 185g jersey
- 64% bamboo viscose , 29% Naia Acetate, 7% elastane
- Colours: Black and iris
- Sizes: UK8 to 16
- Price: £32
The fabric – Novea – is soft, silky and lightweight. Novea is “a blend of bamboo viscose and Naia™, a new fibre made from responsibly sourced wood pulp with a low impact processing method”.
The fabric is really lovely against the skin. Although, sadly, the stitching makes me itch. I have very sensitive skin and I notice stitching more than many other people so the chances are it won;t bother you but I am being honest with this review.
The fit is slim. This means tight and it does reveal all your bumps and shape. You’ll either love this or loathe it. It’s quite long in the torso, which I appreciate.
The fabric is lightweight and stretchy, plus it dries really quickly. Because it’s made from natural materials, it’s also slo to become whiffy. It offered a great layer for hiking on a cold day and it’s also useful as a simple t-shirt for running or doing yoga etc.
It’s a versatile and useful sports top, although not that cheap. I also wish BAM had gone for a more seamless design.
My thoughts: 73 Zero Fleece Jacket
Features include:
- 450g fleece
- 100% recycled polyester
- Certified recyclable by the Circular Textiles Foundation
- 2 hip pockets
- Drawcord at waist
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L
- Colours: Rosewood, navy check
- Price: £89
This is a jacket that is designed to be over-sized. It’s also cropped and boxy shape. This is not my normal style but I really like it. The jacket is extremely comfortable and easy to wear.
I wouldn’t class it as particularly practical for the activities I do. It lets in the wind and it’s not waterproof but for general wear, such as going to the pub or to the office, it’s warm and stylish.
The positives also include the fact it’s made with 100% recycled polyester. The jacket is part of BAM’s 73 Zero circular range, so it is certified by the Circular Textiles Foundation. This means that at the end of its life, it can be easily recycled. You can send it to BAM without charge as part of the 73 Zero Take-Back Scheme. Check the QR code for this.
This is a jacket I am likely to wear to and from the gym, for nights out and for staying warm in the house when the heating is off. It’s something different and with seemingly good eco credentials. It’s not that cheap though.
See BAM.