Global outdoor brand Kathmandu has introduced its latest product innovation, the Epiq SE, in collaboration with Kiwi Red Bull F1 Reserve driver Liam Lawson.
This special edition of Kathmandu’s classic puffer jacket is made with fabric created from recycled plastic waste, including end-of-life car tyres.
"I have a deep connection with Kathmandu that goes way back. Like most Kiwis, I've owned a Kathmandu jacket since I was a kid. It has travelled with me worldwide and feels like a piece of home whenever I see it,” said Lawson.
"Racing is all about pushing limits. It's an exciting opportunity to partner with a brand driving innovation in its industry.”
Car tyres are often burned at the end of their life, releasing harmful pollutants into the air or simply discarded in landfills. With Fulgar, a leading international manufacturer of man-made fibres, Kathmandu has transformed this issue into an opportunity.
The Epiq SE's primary fabric is made using Fulgar’s revolutionary Q-CYCLE technology. This yarn is produced from recycled post-consumer waste, including end-of-life car tyres, following the principles of mass balance.
"Kathmandu is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of product innovation and sustainable practices in the textiles industry. The launch of our Epiq SE signifies another significant milestone in our journey,” said Karinda Robinson, Kathmandu’s General Manager of Products.
“As a Certified B Corporation, Kathmandu is committed to reducing its climate impact. Investing in advanced recycling technologies like this demonstrates how we strive to enhance circularity and reduce the linear take-make-waste approach to business."
Beyond symbolising Kathmandu’s latest purpose-driven innovation, the Epiq SE offers exceptional performance and style. The jacket features a sleek, all-black design, and the fabric is lightweight, water-repellent, highly durable, and luxuriously soft.
“We are now presenting our finest version of the Epiq yet, which is incredibly thrilling and a source of immense pride. We will continue to leverage our Epiq icon as a platform for innovation, inspiration, and best-in-class sustainable practices."
To further establish the Epiq SE’s sustainability credentials, it is equipped with Digital ID technology, which provides details about its design and production process, the manufacturing facility, the materials used, repair information, and eventually, traceability and resale recommendations.
Elaborating on the partnership with Liam Lawson, Jo O'Sullivan, Kathmandu’s General Manager of Marketing, said that Lawson was a true inspiration. He pushed the boundaries in racing every day and constantly strived for improvement.
"Our Epiq SE represents innovation and sophistication, and we believe there is no better ambassador for it than Liam, who is taking on the world with passion, elegance, determination, and a Kiwi sense of humour that we can all be proud of."
Kathmandu introduced the Epiq franchise in 2015, and it quickly became a favourite among outdoor enthusiasts across Australia and New Zealand.
