We have all heard the reports. The textile industry is the second most polluting industry in the world. Each year, two billion pairs of non-biodegradable tights are produced, worn a few times and then discarded. Landfills everywhere are growing, full of cheap and poorly made textiles.

Swedish Stockings was launched by Linn Frisinger and Nadja Forsberg as an innovative and environmentally conscious solution to one area of a women’s wardrobe that we can all make a difference. Six years ago Nadja was inspired by watching a documentary called The Lightbulb Conspiracy about the planned obsolescence of objects, and hosiery was one of the mentioned items that are designed to not last.

Created from an environmentally harmful manufacturing process that leads to damaging carbon emissions, nylon is a synthetic material currently used to produce most modern pantyhose. Derived from the carbon chemicals found in either coal or petroleum, it is at its essence a product of the oil industry.

A forerunner in sustainably produced nylon stockings, Swedish Stockings produce beautiful pantyhose from recycled yarn. Both pre and post-consumer nylon waste. (i.e. excess material from nylon production, ghost nets, excess sportswear cutoffs).

Their mission is to change and influence the entire hosiery industry. Their factories engage in sustainable practises including the use of environmentally friendly dyes, post-dyeing water treatment and the use of solar power for much of the energy needed in the manufacturing process.
The cotton used for their socks is organic and certified. Other fabrics are NILIT® ECOCARE (made from recycled waste yarn) and Q-Nova® (unused nylon remnants, originating from Italy).

Ganni Capsule colletcion - Swedish Stockings

Danish fashion brand Ganni has co-created a capsule collection using this sustainable production combined with the designer’s eclectic prints.

Have you got any pairs of old ripped stockings (from any brand) that you would like to keep out of landfill? The company also have a recycling program. Currently, there is no commercially viable way of separate nylon from elastane, so although they can’t turn old pantyhose into new, they instead grind and melt them down to be used as filler material in fiberglass tanks. These tanks last for decades and means old pantyhose now have their lifeline extended in a new object.

Recycling Club

In the UK the mail-in point to send your unwanted hoisery is: PHOEBE ENGLISH STUDIO, 5 - 9 CREEKSIDE, SE8 4SA, London.

January 2020