03 July - International Plastic Bag Free Day

July 3 – International Plastic Bag Free Day: Sustainability starts on your skin – with UV clothing made from recycled materials

Plastic bags are among the biggest environmental problems of our time. They are often used for just a few minutes, yet remain in our environment for centuries – as microplastics in soil, rivers, and oceans. July 3, International Plastic Bag Free Day, was created to raise awareness of this issue and promote sustainable alternatives. At iQ UV, we take this idea one step further: in the textile industry, we also rely on environmentally friendly alternatives – with UV-protective clothing made from recycled materials.

Why July 3 is more than just a symbolic action day

Plastic Bag Free Day reminds us how important it is to question our consumption of disposable products. Especially in summer, when we spend a lot of time outdoors, many people turn to quick fixes: disposable plastic bags for beach trips, cheap, quickly bought vacation clothes, or throwaway products for outdoor activities.

But this is exactly where the problem lies: these products often end up in the trash after a short use – and far too often in nature. That's why it’s worth focusing on sustainable alternatives. Clothing made from recycled materials is one of them.

From plastic bag to functional clothing: How recycled textiles save lives

iQ UV produces UV-protective clothing that not only protects your skin but also helps the environment. Many of our products are made from recycled fishing nets, PET bottles, or industrial plastic waste. These materials are thoroughly cleaned, processed, and transformed into high-quality functional yarns – without consuming new resources.

The result? Durable, long-lasting clothing with a UV protection factor of 50+, certified according to OEKO-TEX Standard 100 – and capable of helping to curb the flood of plastic.

What makes our UV clothing so sustainable?

Our philosophy: Function meets responsibility. Sustainability starts with the choice of materials but goes far beyond that. Here are a few reasons why UV clothing made from recycled materials is a real alternative to disposable products:

• Durability instead of throwaway mentality: Our clothing lasts for many years – even with regular wear and washing.

• Recycling instead of new production: We use what already exists. This conserves resources and reduces CO₂ emissions.

• Protection through function: The integrated UV protection makes additional products like sunscreen unnecessary on covered areas – saving plastic packaging.

• Certified safety: Our textiles are free of harmful substances and produced under fair conditions in Europe.

Plastic in the ocean: Why your purchasing decision matters

According to UN estimates, more than 11 million tons of plastic enter our oceans every year – and the trend is rising. Much of this waste comes from disposable packaging or short-lived fashion. The so-called “fast fashion” trend contributes to clothing being treated more and more as disposable items.

Recycled materials like the ECONYL® we use help break this cycle: Old fishing nets that would otherwise endanger marine life are turned into functional clothing with real added value – for you and the planet.

Sustainability to wear – your contribution matters

Sustainability doesn’t mean sacrifice – it means conscious choices. When you choose UV clothing made from recycled materials, you protect not only your health but also our environment. And you do so every day – not just on July 3.

Here are a few simple tips for how to reduce plastic waste in your daily life:

• Say no to single-use plastic bags. Use fabric bags or baskets – they last longer and look better.

• Choose reusable over disposable. Whether it's a water bottle, cutlery, or a bag – there’s a sustainable option for almost everything.

• Shop more consciously for clothes. Focus on quality, durability, and transparent production conditions.

• Stay informed. The environmental impact is often in the details: Look for certifications like OEKO-TEX, GRS, or GOTS.

Conclusion: July 3 is just the beginning

International Plastic Bag Free Day is not about pointing fingers – it's an invitation to explore new paths. With UV clothing made from recycled materials by iQ UV, you can make a statement every day: for health, for sustainability, for our future.

Join us and show that conscious consumption can also be stylish and functional. Because true UV protection doesn’t require compromise – neither for your skin nor for the environment.

Want to learn more about our sustainable production?
Click here for our sustainability promise:
👉 Sustainability at iQ UV

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