Summary

Ruby Moon is an apparel company that uses ECONYL, a recycled nylon yarn that is made using ocean waste like discarded ghost fishing nets and other waste material including carpet waste. The company sells a “Gym to Swim” clothing line that offers atheleisure wear and swimwear from made entirely using the ECONYL fabric. The company is also committed to social justice and donate 100% of the profits as microloans for women entrepreneurs across the globe. The company has also implemented a take-back/recycling program through which customers can send used swimwear and other stretch fabrics for re-use. The company also uses biodegradable packaging or minimal packaging. (Source)

Story

After working as a lingerie and swimwear specialist, Founder Jo-Anne Godden decided to focus her energy on sustainability and building a circular fashion brand. Godden was interested in social enterprises and wanted to bring such a model to a sustainable fashion brand. She started the business as a charity called “Lend with care,” which is centered around microfinance for women entrepreneurs around the world. When founding Ruby Moon, Godden partnered with an organization called Healthy Seas, which is a non-profit focused on removing fishing nets from the Mediterranean Sea and North Sea. The material is cleaned up in Slovenia and turned into pellets. Godden liked the material because it’s a high quality item and can be recycled into fiber. Godden’s interest in circularity led the company to experiment with membership programs that incentivize customers to send back their used items of clothing that can be recycled or re-used.

Pic Credit: Ruby Moon (right and top)