The use of single-use plastic in our society has reached epidemic proportions. We have all seen images of marine life swimming around shopping bags or rivers clogged with bottles. So it is always a pleasure to highlight companies who are trying to have a positive impact on sustainability.

Bellroy, may to some be known as a company that fuses innovation with design to produce accessories that slot seamlessly into our modern lives. From slim-line wallets, backpacks and phone cases to pouches to organise your laptop accessories. But, were you aware of their commitment to reducing the number of plastic bottles ending up on landfills?

The Australian brand has announced that they plan to remove 7 million plastic bottles from landfills by 2021. How? They will chip and melt recycled PET water bottles. These will subsequently be woven into polyester yarn for use in their products. This is just the first step. Bellroy is researching a range of innovations when it comes to materials. The final result is to have 100 per cent of their products made from sustainable materials.

This is just the first step for us, and we are working hard on moving more of our materials in the range or other more sustainable materials that help us move towards our overarching environmental goals,

Andy Ghavifekr, Head of Bellroy Product Development

Any new products that can incorporate sustainable materials are highly commendable. Hopefully, this will help other brands take notice and realise that it is possible to produce nicely designed gear and not lose product quality while having a positive impact on the planet.

Shop the recycled range at bellroy.com

Watch giants, Hublot have announced an updated version of their MP-11 model. This time, the brand claims, it is encased in a material never used before in watchmaking. It is called SAXEM, as in Sapphire Aluminium oXide.

To gain its distinctive green aura, Hublot mixed aluminium oxide, the primary component of sapphire, with rare-earth elements like thulium and holmium as well as chromium. The result is a material with such a deep green it is comparable to the most beautiful emeralds. If you wanted to use emerald instead, then it wouldn’t have a composite strong enough for machine manufacturing, SAXEM does. So, a material that is tougher than emerald but with the brilliance of a sapphire.

Under the hood, Hublot uses a very rare watchmaking method; a 90-degree intermediate wheel by way of an “endless screw”-type helical gear wheel. This enables transmission of energy between the horizontal axis of the barrels and the vertical train steering the hours and minutes. Pushing boundaries is what Hublot thrives on. Previous innovation involved the use of 3D carbon and transparent sapphire in their watchmaking.

Through the clear exterior, you can also catch a glimpse of the manual-winding motor that has a 14-day power reserve.

With this new Big Bang MP-11, Hublot once more asserts its regal mastery of innovation, at both a technical level and in terms of aesthetics.

Hublot CEO, Richard Guadalupe

Limited to a run of just 20 pieces, visit Hublot for more information.

$127,000 from Hublot

Now you have the chance to play James Bond for real, all while cultivating your startup in a trendy office space. A former World War 2 MI6 headquarters has been turned into a fantastic co-working space. It is the result of a partnership between venture firm PUBLIC and workspace accelerator Huckletree.

Situated in London’s famous Horse Guards Avenue, the imposing building stands at 600 feet long and was built in 1884. It is very much a French Renaissance-inspired building, and along with its Grade-2 listing, it proved challenging for the design studio, Sella Concept to put their mark on. But, with ornate ceilings, grandiose features sitting alongside contemporary colours and furniture, it blends heritage and modern nicely.

The main objective was to retain the grandeur of the space while injecting the Huckletree brand’s playful nature, a piece of the past and a step into the future

Sella Concept

Overall the aesthetic feel is more grown-up than you would find in other co-working spaces in the capital, and this was key for Sella Concepts. They didn’t want beanbags and ping-pong tables, this is about nurturing future businesses. The idea is to encourage disruptive, modern thinking.

With space for 250 workers, prices start from a very modest £150 per month.

More information huckletree.com

Mixing Danish style with Scottish cloth, Norse Projects have released a range of Harris Tweed products for A/W19. The collection, consisting of two outerwear pieces and two accessories is sure to absorb the harshest of cold.

Harris Tweed, as written in the Harris Tweed Act of 1993, is defined as being handwoven by the islanders of the Outer Hebrides. Constructed from pure virgin wool, it is bound geographically to this area located off the west of Scotland. It is dyed and spun there, then woven by hand in the islander's homes. Harris Tweed is characterised by its warmth, not surprisingly as the island is at the mercy of the unforgiving Atlantic Ocean. But, the fabric allows for breathability, which makes it a sought after material in menswear.

Svalbard Car Coat

This coat is a Harris Tweed constructed outer whilst being lined a Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper. A combination that will block the wind but still allow water vapour to escape. Available in both black and navy colour.

£1,225 from Norse Projects

Nunk Jacket

A mid-length jacket insulated with a 100% recycled sustainable alternative to down, called Thermore Ecodown. The jacket features a two-way zip, and storm flap with Cobrax snap button closure.

£815 from Norse Projects

Kaj Gloves

Every man needs a great pair of gloves during winter. These premium leather and Harris Tweed gloves will not let you down. They are warm, durable, breathable and water repellent.

£130 from Norse Projects

Sports Cap

Finish of the look with this six-panel sports cap. As it is made from Harris Tweed, the material is natural and biodegradable as well as being water repellent.

£110 from Norse Projects

This collection is a celebration of artisanal craftsmanship. A connection with past traditions of manufacturing that can easily be lost in the modern world of menswear. 

Shop the range at Norse Projects

The traditional Clarks Original Wallabee shoe gets a facelift from the American brand, Stüssy, and is a continuation of recent collaborations between the two. Just in time for Autumn, this update will feature in two colourways, Sage and Rust. The typical Autumnal colours are adorned with a distinctive paisley pattern along the collar of the shoe.

The Wallabee design has a signature crepe sole, with the uppers constructed from a Bovine leather. Applied to the leather is a Scotchgard treatment making it water and stain-resistant.

This release follows on from Clarks' recent collaborations with Patta and Carhartt and is available from select stockists.

£119 from goodhoodstore.com

Barbour is renowned for its ability to create products that can help you battle the elements. Since 1894 they have been making products that are both durable and functional. It started with clothing mariners against the harsh conditions of the North Sea, and it is their nautical heritage that has inspired their new range, 'Stormforce'. Their autumn/winter collection utilises innovative production techniques to protect against upcoming colder conditions. Key features include technical trims, waterproof zips details, hood detailing and above all, insulation and warmth.

One of the key pieces is the 'Thermo Overshirt' (pictured above). It features double patch chest pockets and is bang on-trend for those looking for a military style that can be easily layered.

Fleece is an essential material to utilise across outerwear products due to its insulation properties. We see Barbour use it across a lot of their products including the 'Gustnado Jacket', and the 'Switun Quilt'. The latter built with an inner fleece lining.

Gustnado Jacket

The 'Gustnado Jacket' is a snorkel-hooded parka. It comes with a detachable fur trim collar and built-in fleece-lined pockets to keep your hands warm — a godsend when the temperature plummets. With a front zip fastening and studded front storm guard, the jacket is completed with an autumnal hue of Agave Green. 

£279 from barbour.com

Introducing practical and technical garments shows our ability to adapt to the contemporary market and this exciting new range offers the best in outerwear performance.

Director of Menswear and Accessories at Barbour, Ian Bergin

Colours throughout the collection include deep blue and greens, and are another nod to Barbour's nautical roots. Timely, this year is also Barbour's 125 anniversary. No mean feat in today's economical climate.

The full range, including outerwear, shirts and knitwear, is available on the website and in selected stockists.

Visit www.barbour.com