Fashion was responsible for 2.1 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions in 2018, about 4 percent of the global total, according to McKinsey research cited by Sourcing Journal. In May 2021, Azgard9 unveiled a prototype that tackles that problem from an unexpected angle: a poncho that produces oxygen.
The garment was developed with Post Carbon Lab, a London-based design research studio focused on sustainability. It mimics a plant's ability to photosynthesise: microorganisms in the garment take in CO2 and release oxygen into the wearer's surroundings. The poncho is made of a membrane-bound polyamide, which makes it breathable, waterproof and thermoregulating. The fabric is also treated with an antibacterial and antiviral component, which reduces the need for frequent home washing.
The poncho was not made for sale. It was part of Future Before Fashion, Azgard9's push for future-focused, low-impact solutions, and was designed to inspire brands to take the technology further. "In order to create change in the industry, we need to come up with realistic solutions that are serving a purpose for the consumer in general," said Bernardo Lago Cruz, Azgard9's business development associate.
Sourcing Journal noted that the project sits alongside Azgard9's everyday practices, such as digital sampling and the use of organic and recycled cotton, and named Tommy Hilfiger, G- Star Raw and Gap among its clients. The prototype became CO2AT, which won a Gold Lion at Cannes the following year.
Key facts
- DateMay 2021
- PartnerPost Carbon Lab, London
- How it worksphotosynthetic microorganisms take in CO2 and release oxygen
- Materialmembrane-bound polyamide; breathable, waterproof, thermoregulating; antibacterial and antiviral
- Industry contextfashion emitted 2.1 billion tons of GHG in 2018, about 4% of the global total
The oxygen-producing poncho showed brands what Future Before Fashion looks like in practice: clothing designed to give back to the planet.
