The fitness world has been crying out for a change when it comes to materials that aren’t necessarily good for people and the planet.
London-based Pangaia, known for their sustainable fashion production techniques has once again provided a solution to the activewear problem. Their latest PLNT Nylon activewear collection is made from plant-based materials, that marry performance with sustainability principles. And the outcome is stylish activewear you’ll have no problem wearing to the gym.
Before we dive into Pangaia’s new collection, let’s talk about what you’re probably wearing to the gym right now. Chances are, it’s made from polyester or conventional nylon, materials that have dominated the activewear industry for decades.
Here’s the thing about polyester: whilst it does an excellent job of wicking away sweat and bouncing back into shape, producing just 1 kilogram of this stuff releases more than 30 kg of CO2 equivalents into the atmosphere. That’s roughly equivalent to driving seventy five miles in an average car. Every single gym top or pair of leggings carries this environmental baggage, and when you consider the billions of pieces of activewear produced annually, the numbers are not pretty.
Conventional nylon, which Pangaia’s PLNT Nylon directly replaces, is even more problematic. Its manufacture creates nitrous oxide—a greenhouse gas that’s over three hundred times more potent than carbon dioxide. The production process is so energy-intensive and toxic that it’s essentially the antithesis of everything Pangaia stands for with their regenerative approach to fashion.
Even more problematic is what happens with synthetic activewear every time you chuck it in the washing machine. Each wash releases thousands of microplastic fibres that slip through water treatment systems and end up in our oceans. It’s a problem that Pangaia recognised early on, driving their commitment to finding plant-based alternatives that don’t shed plastic particles with every rinse cycle.
Pangaia have built their entire philosophy around circular economy principles. To reiterate, the circular economy is based on three principles: eliminate waste and pollution, circulate products and materials at their highest value, and regenerate nature.
For Pangaia, this means rethinking everything from the seeds that grow their materials to what happens when you eventually retire that favourite sports bra. Instead of the traditional “take, make, dispose” model that’s wreaked havoc on our planet, they’re championing a regenerative approach that actually gives back to the environment.
The beauty of Pangaia’s circular approach is that it considers the entire lifecycle of their garments. From the non-GMO castor cultivation that supports biodiversity to the recycled PET zippers that give plastic bottles a second life, every element is designed to work within nature’s systems rather than against them.
So, what exactly is PLNT Nylon, and why is Pangaia so excited about it?
In simple terms, it’s what happens when you take castor seeds and transform them into high-performance activewear that rivals anything made from petroleum.
Castor plants are absolutely brilliant from a sustainability perspective, which is precisely why Pangaia chose them. These resilient little powerhouses thrive in arid conditions with minimal water—the complete opposite of water-hungry cotton or environmentally destructive synthetic alternatives. They’re also non-GMO, meaning Pangaia can harvest them without any genetic modification that might disrupt local ecosystems.
The transformation process is where Pangaia’s material science really shines. Unlike conventional nylon production, which relies on energy-guzzling petrochemical processes, their plant-based approach dramatically reduces environmental impact whilst maintaining all the performance characteristics you need in your activewear garments.
The zippers in their new activewear collection feature recycled PET tape. And the self-ties are designed specifically to reduce material waste. Even the pullers are rubber-covered and nickel-free, avoiding skin sensitivities issues while taking into consideration the environmental impact of the materials.
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Pangaia’s PLNT Nylon pieces are designed and crafted in London with what they call “quiet confidence through utility-inspired silhouettes”.
The functional benefits of PLNT Nylon include stretch, recovery, and moisture management. All the things you’d expect from premium activewear. The materials also mean your activewear is durable enough to withstand repeated washes (without shedding microplastics, naturally), while maintaining shape through your weekly (or daily) workouts.
But Pangaia hasn’t just focused on the technical performance—they’ve nailed the aesthetic too. The collection embodies that effortless athleisure vibe that transitions seamlessly from studio to street, proving that sustainable doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style.
Pangaia’s PLNT Nylon collection represents more than just another product launch—it’s a glimpse into the future of performance wear. By proving that plant-based materials can deliver everything athletes demand whilst dramatically reducing environmental impact, they’re setting new standards for the entire industry.
This couldn’t come at a better time. Consumers are increasingly refusing to compromise their values for performance, and Pangaia has shown that they don’t have to. The success of innovations like PLNT Nylon could well accelerate broader industry adoption of sustainable materials, creating the kind of positive ripple effect that transforms entire sectors.
What’s particularly exciting about Pangaia’s approach is how it challenges the false choice between sustainability and performance that has dominated activewear for too long. Their PLNT Nylon collection proves that the most innovative solutions often come from working with nature rather than against it.
For anyone who’s been waiting for activewear that aligns with their values without compromising on performance or style, Pangaia’s plant-based collection could be just what you’re looking for. It’s high-performing, beautifully designed, and sustainably produced.
Website: pangaia.com
Location: UK
