Sustainable by Design: How Red's Material Choices Reflect Our Planet-First Philosophy

Written by Lydia Burdett / May 2025

Here at Red, our love for the outdoors drives everything we do – including how we design and build our products. As a certified B Corp, we’re committed to creating gear that not only performs in the wild but also protects it. That means making thoughtful, sustainable choices at every stage – from materials and coatings to packaging and repairability.

Recycled Taslan: Built to Last

Our Lightweight Waterproof Crossbody Bag and Lightweight Waterproof Backpacks are designed for everyday use and long-term durability. They’re made from 100% recycled nylon Taslan – a fabric originally developed for high-performance outerwear, prized for being tough, abrasion-resistant, lightweight and soft.

But sustainability doesn’t end there. These bags are built with machine-stitched and taped seams, making them easy to repair if damaged – extending lifespan and therefore reducing waste. It’s all part of our commitment to making high-quality kit that will perform at its best for as long as possible.

PFC-free Waterproofing: Performance Meets Sustainability

To keep our kit completely watertight, we apply a PFC-free durable water repellent (DWR) coating – avoiding the toxic, harmful chemicals that are commonly used in waterproofing.

That’s how we waterproof Red gear, including the EVO Pro Change Robe: our most advanced changing robe yet – and our most sustainable. It’s made entirely from recycled materials, including the 15k waterproof / 8k breathable outer shell and super-soft, moisture-wicking inner lining.

Designed for versatility and longevity, the EVO Pro Change Robe’s durable construction is built to withstand years of use, reducing the need for replacements and minimising environmental impact.

Why PFC-Free Matters

Traditional DWR waterproof coatings often contain perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), which are persistent in the environment and can accumulate in living organisms. By choosing PFC-free alternatives, we eliminate these harmful substances from our products, protecting both the planet and the people who use our gear.

What’s in Our Recycled Materials – And Why It Matters

The recycled fabrics we use aren’t just a marketing gimmick – they’re a fundamental part of reducing our impact on the planet. For our Lightweight Bags, we use 100% recycled nylon Taslan. Originally developed for high-performance outerwear, Taslan is strong and durable – perfect for gear that needs to be both tough and lightweight. By using a recycled version, we’re giving a second life to waste materials (typically post-industrial nylon offcuts or pre-consumer textile waste) that might otherwise end up incinerated or in landfill.

Our EVO Pro Change Robe range is made using fully recycled premium fabrics inside and out – including a waterproof recycled polyester outer and a soft, moisture-wicking recycled fleece lining. These materials are typically sourced from recycled plastic bottles (rPET), which helps divert plastic waste from oceans and landfill while reducing the energy and water use associated with virgin polyester production.

Why does this matter? Recycling plastic into textiles uses fewer resources and emits less carbon than creating new synthetic fibres from fossil fuels. It also helps address one of the biggest environmental challenges of our time – the global plastic waste crisis – while supporting a more circular, lower-impact manufacturing system.

Of course, recycled fabrics are just one part of the picture. We also design for durability and repairability, so each product stays in use for as long as possible – reducing the need for replacements and cutting down waste even further.

Packaging with Purpose

Our commitment to sustainability extends to our packaging too. We’ve eliminated single-use plastics and significantly reduced overall packaging materials. Where possible, we use recyclable, reclaimed, or recycled paper and cardboard, and biodegradable bags. Our cardboard packaging is adhesive-free, avoiding toxins and making it easier to recycle. These changes bring us closer to our goal of 100% compostable packaging.

Circular Economy and B Corp Certification

Our design philosophy is rooted in the principles of a circular economy: eliminating waste, keeping products in use, and regenerating natural systems. By designing for durability, repairability, and recyclability, we aim to minimise our environmental footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.

As a certified B Corp, we’re held to high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. This certification reflects our ongoing commitment to doing business responsibly and reinforces our dedication to continuous improvement.

Join Us…

Sustainability is a journey, not a destination. We’re constantly exploring new ways to reduce our impact and enhance the longevity and performance of our products. By choosing Red, you’re not just investing in high-quality gear – you’re supporting a brand that prioritises the planet.

Explore our full range of sustainable products and learn more about our commitment to responsible design at Red Equipment.