Uncovered the simplicity of maintaining my cherished outdoor attire at an Arc'teryx ReBird Repair Center
In a bid to reduce waste and promote sustainability, the design teams at Arc'teryx are now focusing on making their products easier to repair as part of their circularity initiative. This initiative aims to keep Arc'teryx gear in use for longer, from design to post-purchase.
One of the key aspects of this initiative is the Arc'teryx ReBird service center, which is now available in 25 stores globally. This service center offers washing, waterproofing, and repair services for Arc'teryx products. In many cases, these services are provided for free, helping to keep gear in excellent condition and extending its lifespan.
Dampness experienced on a rainy day while wearing a waterproof jacket could be caused by sweat buildup on the inside of the jacket. To maintain and extend the life of Arc'teryx waterproof jackets, it is essential to wash them properly with specialist cleaners and reapply durable water repellent (DWR) treatments regularly.
Proper washing involves using specialist cleaners like Grangers Wash designed for technical outerwear. Follow manufacturer or ReBird instructions such as emptying pockets, closing zippers, loosening drawcords, and avoiding fabric softeners. Reapplying DWR restores the protective layer, maintaining breathability and waterproof performance.
The waterproofness of a jacket can be compromised if the pores in the Gore-Tex membrane that allow sweat to escape get clogged over time if the jacket isn't washed. To prevent this, regular washing and DWR reapplication are crucial.
Arc'teryx offers a ReBird Service Center that provides these services. Larger repairs that require sending the item off may incur a small fee. However, compared to some other repair services that come with a fee or entail mailing the item away, the Arc'teryx ReBird center is accessible and efficient.
The ReBird Service Center repairs minor damages like holes, zipper repairs, buckle replacements, and small repairs that don't require stitching for free. For more extensive repairs, a small fee may be charged.
Arc'teryx also uses more sustainable production methods like dope dying and PFAS-free Gore-Tex membrane. Outdoor enthusiasts, who have a higher carbon footprint than athletes from other individual sports and nature sports participants due to their tendency to put their gear through the ringer, can rest assured that they are choosing a more sustainable option with Arc'teryx.
The brand's focus on circularity begins in the design process. Sven Radtke, general manager of Arc'teryx Europe, explains that Arc'teryx designs jackets with replaceable panels to extend the life of the garment.
In addition to the repair and refurbishment services, the ReBird Service Center offers a product care education service. This service includes tips for extending the life of gear and can provide customers with own-brand DWR for reproofing their jackets.
Arc'teryx offers in-house repairs for its products, including jackets, rain pants, backpacks, sleeping bags, and hiking boots. The brand is committed to reducing waste and promoting sustainability, making it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
[1] Arc'teryx (2022). Arc'teryx ReBird Service. [online] Available at: https://www.arcteryx.com/gb/en/shop/service/rebird
[2] Grangers (2022). Grangers Wash. [online] Available at: https://www.grangers.eu/products/wash-technical-outdoor
[3] Arc'teryx (2022). Product Care. [online] Available at: https://www.arcteryx.com/gb/en/shop/service/product-care
[4] Arc'teryx (2022). Circularity. [online] Available at: https://www.arcteryx.com/gb/en/shop/sustainability/circularity
[5] Arc'teryx (2022). ReBird Service Center. [online] Available at: https://www.arcteryx.com/gb/en/shop/service/rebird-service-centers
- Arc'teryx's circularity initiative extends beyond design to post-purchase, with services like the ReBird service center that offers washing, waterproofing, and repair services for Arc'teryx products, helping to keep gear in excellent condition and extending its lifespan.
- The ReBird Service Center, available in 25 stores globally, offers a product care education service too, teaching customers how to care for their gear properly to maintain and extend its life, as well as providing own-brand DWR for reproofing their waterproof jackets.
