Groups turn ocean plastic into denim

The environmental activist group Sea Shepherd has launched the Vortex Project, a campaign to clean the oceans of plastic debris and transform it into fashion. The project’s first collaboration — launched at NYC’s fashion week with partner Bionic Yarn — is G-Star’s “Raw for the Oceans,” a denim line made of ocean plastic.

The New York Fashion Week event is part of Parley for the Oceans, an initiative comprised of artists, activists, tastemakers, entrepreneurs and innovators to address and solve the plastic pollution problem impacting ocean ecosystems.

The Vortex Project takes waste from the oceans and shorelines, and recycles, enhances, and reuses it for yarn, fabric, and other elements in consumer products. They will also seek to close the loop by again recycling these products at the end their product life and manufacturing new products in such a way as to not further pollute.

Sea Shepherd will lead The Vortex Project in the areas of collecting, scientific innovation and awareness-building, and will work with Sea Shepherd entities worldwide to mobilize teams to help clean up the oceans and beaches.

“Plastic is choking our oceans and precious marine wildlife at an unprecedented rate,” said Capt. Paul Watson, founder of Sea Shepherd.

“Straws, single-use bags, six-pack rings, drink lids and more are ensnaring marine animals or blocking their digestive systems, killing these magnificent creatures. It’s time humanity takes responsibility for our actions and cleans up the mess we’ve made. We hope this is the first of many meaningful collaborations to come.”