1. What is SEAQUAL YARN?
SEAQUAL YARN is an innovative yarn made from recycled PET bottles: it consists of 10% marine plastic and 90% plastic bottles from land-based sources. medi sources the yarn from the SEAQUAL INITIATIVE, a community based in Spain that is committed to cleaning the oceans and recycling plastic. This is an important step, as the SEAQUAL INITIATIVE supports a better global circular economy. In this way, existing PET is recycled instead of producing new polyester through resource-intensive processes.
2. Which medi products use yarn made from recycled plastic?
SEAQUAL YARN is currently used in the following knitted medi back supports and braces: Lumbamed basic, Lumbamed plus, Lumbamed facet, Lumbamed disc, Lumbamed sacro, and Lumbamed pro. The knitted fabrics contain 12% recycled yarn—this equates to an average of one litre plastic bottle per product. We are proud to be contributing to a more responsible use of resources.
3. Why does the knitted fabric consist of 12% recycled yarn?
The knitted fabric used in our back supports and braces is made from carefully selected material components to ensure optimal performance, effectiveness, and comfort. This proven material composition continues to be used by medi due to its successful product properties.
As part of our commitment to sustainability, the entire 12% polyester content has now been replaced with innovative SEAQUAL YARN. Combined with polyamide fibres, the recycled polyester helps to support moisture absorption and moisture transport within the knitted fabric (Clima Comfort)—helping to provide a comfortable wearing experience throughout the day.
4. Does the polyester yarn made from plastic bottles alter the product's effectiveness?
No. Whenever medi changes materials or yarn suppliers, our Research & Development team carries out extensive comparative testing to ensure there are no changes to product quality, performance, or effectiveness.
These tests confirmed that the introduction of the new recycled polyester yarn does not alter the product’s properties or clinical effectiveness. All medical requirements continue to be met, while the handling, wearing comfort, and washability remain unchanged.
5. How do medi ensure that the yarn is safe and free from harmful substances?
The recycled yarn used in medi products undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it is safe, high quality, and free from harmful substances. This includes a range of chemical and physical assessments, such as cytotoxicity testing for textiles, carried out by medi.
In addition, SEAQUAL YARN is certified to the internationally recognised Global Recycled Standard (GRS), which verifies compliane with strict requirements relating to recycled content, environmental practices, and social responsibility.
The recycled yarn—like the Lumbamed braces themselves—is also certified to Oeko-Tex Standard 100. This certification confirms through independent laboratory testing that the materials are free from harmful substances and safe for human use.
