Maui-based Manakai Swimwear is launching a new line of environmentally-friendly bathing suits. The Eco-Conscious Collection is made with sustainable techno-fabric created from recycled plastics and is manufactured on domestic soil.
Nearly all swimwear on the market today is made from some form of polyester. Each year, roughly 70 million barrels of crude oil are used to produce virgin polyester.
Instead, Manakai uses recycled tricot and recycled polyester to manufacture its suits. The environmentally sustainable fabrics are made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled fibers. The fabrics–which are made from discarded PET materials including carpet fluff, plastic bottles and fishing line–are engineered to be ultra resistant to chlorine and suntan oils and creams, according to a company website. The fabrics not only provide muscle control and shape retention, they have UV protection, a soft feel and comfortable stretch.
Company co-owner Anna Lieding said the manufacturers of Manakai Swimwear’s fabrics and the company that does their custom prints are all certified and accredited by environmental organizations for their eco-conscious practices. In addition to using eco-friendly fabrics, the company manufactures its eco-conscious swimwear line in the United States.
“Manakai Swimwear is employing several small family-run businesses with whom we have spent several months working side by side,” Lieding said. “The hands that bring our swimwear to life are happy, paid livable wages, receive proper vacation time, and, from first-hand experience, we can assure you are working in a pleasant and safe environment that passes all USA laws and codes.”
Here are a couple more images of the swimwear line:
Photos courtesy Manakai Swimwear
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