In a move to satisfy global demand for sustainable apparel, Prym Fashion, one of the world’s leading suppliers of fashion and clothing accessories, has introduced a series of L.I.F.E.-certified fasteners. L.I.F.E. stands for Low Impact Fastener Ensemble.

Compared to conventional production practices, the L.I.F.E. manufacturing processes bring about a marked reduction in the environmental impact of Prym Fashion products.

Brian Moore, Chief Executive Officer of Prym Fashion:

“The manufacture of metal fasteners for clothing and leather goods involves a wide spectrum of processes and surface treatments, including electroplating, chemical dyeing and coating, all of which require high volumes of resources and materials. The objective of our L.I.F.E.-certified programme is to produce a broad selection of surfaces in a more environmentally friendly way, helping our customers to fulfil their overall sustainability targets with Prym solutions.”

L.I.F.E.-certified metal press studs and fasteners

The first collection of L.I.F.E.-certified metal press studs and fasteners is being manufactured by Prym Fashion Italia, a recognised market leader in the press stud and rivet industry, at its facility in Lecco, Italy.

New: ecoWhite and ecoGreen

The environmentally friendly ecoWhite and ecoGreen press studs were launched onto the market in early May. The certified L.I.F.E press studs from Prym Fashion are made with fewer materials and are designed as a solution for an overall eco-package. The new press studs are the first environmentally friendly alternative for various segments of the apparel and textiles industry, including activewear, childrenswear and baby clothes.

Brian Moore:

“We’re in a position to dramatically reduce environmental and process pollution in the final processing of our metal fasteners. This will help Prym Fashion to strengthen its global presence. We see this as a major step on the path to sustainability and we will continue to expand our Low Impact Fastener Ensemble range.”

Given that the ecoWhite press studs are made from recycled plastic bottles, the production process does not involve the use of crude oil or any of the processes associated with it. A total of 13 press studs can be made from one recycled plastic bottle. The ecoGreen press studs from Prym Fashion are made from renewable vegetable resources such as potato starch, thus reducing the use of fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions. ecoGreen press studs are biodegradable and recyclable. Prym Fashion is also poised to offer ecoBlue plastic press studs, made from recycled plastic recovered from the sea.

Philipp Osthaus, Sustainable Products Manager with Prym Fashion:

“There are four main principles for manufacturing press studs and fasteners with a smaller environmental footprint. These are: fewer toxic substances, lower chemical input, minimising the use of heavy metals and less energy. Every Prym Fashion L.I.F.E.-certified fastener system meets one or several of these principles, irrespective of where it is made.”