Teijin Fibers Limited, a Japan-based global polyester polymers, fibres and textiles company and Swany America Corp., a leading manufacturer of ski gloves and mittens renowned for their enduring construction and cold weather performance, announced on Friday the launch of a closed-loop recycling program for used polyester ski gloves.

As part of the collaboration, Swany America will use Teijin Fiber’s ECO STORM(r), a recyclable, waterproof and breathable material made from recycled fibers laminated with a highly durable thin polyester film, for a new glove in its 2009-2010 winter line-up. The ECO-X-the world’s first recyclable ski glove-will be available at retail stores in the United States, Canada and Europe beginning in September 2009.

This joint program will also include the collection and recycling of used products through Teijin Fibers’ recycling system, called ECO CIRCLE. Customers will be invited to mail their worn-out ECO-X gloves to Swany America using special envelopes supplied at the time of purchase. The gloves' polyurethane palms will be cut off at Swany Warehouse in Johnston, New York and recycled domestically. The remaining polyester parts, such as shells, insulation, waterproof and breathable inserts and hollow core inner linings, will be sent to Teijin Fibers’ Matsuyama plant in Ehime Prefecture, Japan, where they will be chemically decomposed and converted into new polyester raw material at a recycling facility.

The ECO CIRCLE system incorporates the world’s first chemical-recycling technology to decompose polyester for conversion into new polyester raw material offering purity comparable to that derived from petroleum. The repeatable recycling system reduces energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 80% each compared to the production of polyester materials from petroleum.

ECO STORM is the world's first recyclable, high-performance waterproof and moisture-permeable material made of recycled fibres. As it is made of polyester, ECO STORM can be recycled with ECO CIRCLE. With hydrostatic resistance of 20,000mmH2O and moisture permeability of 15,000g/m2 in a 24-hour period, ECO STORM is ideal for sportswear, outdoor gear and uniforms. Swany America’s ECO-X, however, will be the first ski gloves made with ECO STORM.

Teijin Fibers, which registered the 100th member in its ECO CIRCLE recycling program last year, aims to expand its presence in the global sportswear industry. Together, Swany America and Teijin Fibers plan to enhance their commitment to environmentally friendly initiatives with the targeted launch of four items made with ECO STORM for Swany’s 2010-2011 line-up.

Swany America will exhibit ECO-X at the SnowSports Trade Show (SIA.09), which will be held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas from January 27 to January 30.