Aaron Chang International (ACI) has launched its first environmentally friendly collection for Spring 2008. This company wide initiative will impact all aspects of the business including design, production and marketing. The brand is committed to protecting the natural environment and working towards a more sustainable future.

ACI's overall plan for eco-efficiency is based on the concept of designing, manufacturing and delivering product using fewer resources and creating less waste and pollution. By using the latest technology that conserves natural resources, recycles more and reduces toxic emissions the company hopes to do more with less.

As a legendary action sports photographer and avid surfer, the environment and nature have always been at the forefront of Aaron Chang's values. Chang's photos illustrate the beauty of the world we live in and ACI's junior swimwear collection incorporates his photographs into the design of their merchandise. Themes on the swimsuits include elements of the natural world, such as waves, sunsets, flowers, palm trees and animals.

"This was a natural progression for our company. I have always had a deep respect for the environment," said Aaron Chang, founder of ACI. "Maintaining and loving our environment is paramount to the welfare of our planet and oceans. If we all band together, set aside the politics and do everything within our power to contribute to a global effort we can effect change."

ACI's first ‘green' step is a revolutionary approach to apparel by incorporating recycled and organic fabrics into its swimwear and lifestyle collections.

Launching for Spring 2008, the company is offering two swim groups made from recycled polyester. This includes swimsuits, rashguards and boardshorts. By sourcing polyester yarns made from materials such as plastic soda bottles, this diverts waste from landfills. This is the world's most sophisticated technology for chemical recycling and enables the purification of post consumer plastic into pure polyester raw material without spilling an unnecessary drop of oil.

In addition, ACI is committed to using only organic cotton in all of the brand's coverups. "Conventional cotton farming is a very toxic process. While representing only 3% of farmlands in the US, conventional cotton farming uses 25% of all the chemical pesticides and fertilizers used annually. These chemicals take an enormous toll on the earth's air, water and soil," says Chang. "Eliminating the use of synthetically produced pesticides and fertilizers, organic cotton farming has a low impact on the environment."

"In striving to produce the highest quality eco-friendly products as possible, we will create more sustainable solutions without compromising design, performance or durability," said Abi Huskey, Design Director at ACI. "Everything in our ‘green' collection remains true to the Aaron Chang identity and quality, and offers consumers a chance to get involved in this cultural shift of social consciousness. The organic cotton coverups and tees are the softest cotton you'll ever feel! The recycled poly bikinis look, feel and dry the same as our previous poly suits, but consumers are doing something good for the environment when they purchase one. And the updated styling and silhouettes create a perfect match with our new fabrication."

But why stop with the swimsuits or coverups - Aaron Chang International has made sure that all items related to the clothing are also eco-friendly. All marketing materials are printed on recycled paper. This includes catalogs, posters, hangtags, press kits, POP displays and other promotional materials. The paper is not only recycled, but Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Rainforest Alliance certified. The FSC sets high standards to ensure that forestry is practiced in an environmentally responsible way. The mission of the Rainforest Alliance is to protect ecosystems and the people and wildlife that depend on them, and to ensure that virgin rainforest trees are not cut down for consumer use.

With proceeds from the eco-friendly collection, ACI's goal is to donate a percentage of sales to environmental and humanitarian efforts worldwide. The company will identify a handful of charities each year who are devoted to environmental and social causes that reflect the brand's values. ACI hopes to set an example for the action sports industry and for their consumers.

The response has been so positive that ACI has designed their entire Summer 2008 Collection to be eco-friendly. All bathing suits, boardshorts and rashguards are made of 100% Recycled Polyester, and all cover-ups and tee shirts are 100% Organic Cotton.

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