2- 3 mins
Plastic waste is one of the most pressing problems our planet faces. We need to find uses for this waste to prevent it from being dumped in the environment. Many brands have been leading the way with eco-friendly ranges which got us thinking, how could we use items such as recycled plastic bottles and create high quality products for horses? WeatherBeeta are one of the most long-standing and innovative brands of horse rugs in the world, so we decided to make an eco-friendly horse rug and our WeatherBeeta Green-Tec range was born.
What type of WeatherBeeta Green-tec rugs are available?
The WeatherBeeta Green-Tec 900 Denier Detach-A-Neck Turnouts come in two different weights, the WeatherBeeta Green-Tec 900D Detach-A-Neck Lite which has 0g polyfill and the WeatherBeeta Green-Tec 900D Detach-A-Neck Medium which has 220g polyfill. Both rugs are made from over 240 recycled plastic bottles (based on a 6’3 rug) meaning that when we make these rugs, we’re saving these bottles from going into landfill. They also sport 900 denier plain weave PCR (post-consumer recyclable plastic) outer which again are made from recycled bottles that is both waterproof (Hydrostatic Pressure test 2000 plus) and breathable (Moisture Vapour Test 3000 plus) and a 210 denier lining which is smooth and durable. Both rugs sport a Detach-A-Neck so you can easily remove or attach the neck rug depending on the weather, and a well thought out fit with traditional side gusset for natural movement and large tail flap for optimum protection.
Looking for something stronger?
We get it! There are horses out there that are tough on their rugs, so we decided to design another Green-Tec rug to cater for these horses. Introducing the WeatherBeeta Green-Tec 1200D Detach-A-Neck Medium! This rug has also been designed using recycled plastics for the outer fabric, polyfill and lining. Each rug saves over 380* recycled plastic bottles (based on a 6’3 rug) from going into landfill or the ocean and uses far less (over 50% less) energy to produce the fabric than a traditional rug. It features a 1200 denier ripstop PCR outer, with a 150 denier lining and warm 220g polyfill both made from recycled plastic bottles. To ensure the quality and durability of these rugs, they’re all tested for waterproofness via the Hydrostatic Pressure test where they’re rated 2000 plus and breathability is tested with a Moisture Vapour Test rating of 3000 plus. It’s even packaged in recyclable packaging that’s also made from PCR. A unique feature of this new rug that makes it stand out from the rest is that our PU waterproof coating is made from 27% recycled camera lenses further reducing the environmental impact of our Green-Tec range.
How is the recycled plastic turned into fabric?
- Recycled bottles are prepared (washed and label removal)
- Recycled bottles are crushed, washed and shredded into flakes
- The flakes are then dehydrated and dried
- Melted for polymerization
- Converted into recycled chips
- Chips are then extruded into yarn
- Ready to be transformed into our stunning Green-Tec range
As well as recycling unwanted plastic waste, the method used also reduces the energy output needed to produce the material by 50% compared to that of a traditional rug.
We have done all this while retaining 100% of the WeatherBeeta quality we are world famous for.
While our rugs come with a 3 year warranty on hardware, waterproofness and breathability, they often last far longer than that. So, you can buy a WeatherBeeta rug with confidence, knowing it should last for many years to come. We like to think of a WeatherBeeta rug as a long-term investment in a happy horse and a happy owner.
Horseland is the rug specialist, with the biggest range, best brands and best value. We’re proud to offer the largest variety of horse rugs in Australia to keep your horse happy and protected all year round. Head into your local Horseland store or browse our full range of rugs online.
