Circular Economy: Espigas and Canal 16 Labs Reinvent Textile Recycling

Transforming marine waste into durable accessories, a Made in Marseille commitment

Espigas workshop in Marseille Since its creation, Espigas has championed local and responsible manufacturing with its Made in Marseille espadrilles. Today, with Canal 16 Labs, the brand is taking its commitment even further: transforming waste from maritime activities into durable and functional accessories.

Building a sustainable textile recycling industry from marine waste

Every year, thousands of life rafts, life jackets, and wetsuits are discarded in Marseille without being recycled. These highly resistant materials, designed to withstand extreme conditions, remain unused and end up in landfills. Textile recycling at Canal 16 Labs Through Canal 16 Labs, Espigas is creating a real textile recycling sector in partnership with local actors such as Serpollet Litech, Fasque, Marcea, Amerma, and Métamorphose. The goal is to transform waste into eco-designed products while developing local skills.

Durable, functional, and committed products

Innovation at Espigas goes beyond material transformation: each product is designed to be indestructible, functional, and timeless. A standout example is a pencil case made from life rafts, presented to the Mayor of Marseille during the Fabriqué à Marseille certification ceremony. Upcycled pencil case from Canal 16 Labs The idea? Ensuring that every Marseille schoolchild can have an accessory that is both durable, local, and eco-friendly.

A responsible and inclusive economic model

In addition to its environmental commitment, Espigas promotes a socially inclusive economy. Since 2017, its Marseille workshop has partnered with an ESAT, enabling people with disabilities to contribute to the production of espadrilles and new upcycled accessories. Inclusive production workshop at Espigas By choosing Espigas and Canal 16 Labs, each customer actively supports a more circular, fair, and sustainable economy.

Discover our commitment

Espigas and Canal 16 Labs don’t just manufacture locally; they are paving the way for a more responsible and sustainable fashion industry by rethinking how resources are used.