Montana-based, Jelt manufactures wearables from recycled plastic.
Jelt was established in 2014 as a cause-driven business that manufactures wearables from recycled plastic. Jelt’s purpose is to domestically manufacture sustainable products that everyone needs.
Jelt is a certified B Corporation and a partner of 1% for The Planet. Our products are made in Montana and sourced domestically as often as possible.
In 2023, Jelt changed ownership from its original founder, Jen Perry to sibling duo, Andy and Amy Auble. Andy Auble is a Montana local who has experience bringing domestically made products to market. He owns two other companies, GlueTread and Proof Razors.
Amy is an expert in marketing for sustainable brands and owns a marketing agency, Alpine Start Media as well as a Podcast called The Sustainable Business Spotlight. The sibling duo made the perfect pair to keep Jelt a Montana owned and operated company with a focus on domestic manufacturing from recycled plastic.
Currently, Jelt has two products: a line of belts and a new Crossbody Bag.
Jelt belts and crossbody bags are both sewn in Montana. “Local production is a high priority for us. We love employing a local team to ensure that our products are the best you’ll ever wear,” said Jelt’s Co-owner, Amy.
Jelt Belts
Functional and socially impactful, Jelt elastic belts are made from recycled plastic bottles. Bottles are recycled into plastic flakes, melted into pellets that are then made into durable yarn. Lastly, the yarn is sewn into stretchy elastic webbing.
There are three styles of Jelt Belts: the Jelt original, the JeltX, and the Jelt Venture. Jelt belts are 100% vegan, low profile and elastic. They’re designed for comfort and durability. The belts also have a grippy inner gel so that they can be worn with pants without belt loops. “Our belts last for years and years, one of the many aspects that make them sustainable,” said Amy.
Jelt Belts are best used while hiking, skiing, fly fishing and mountain biking – really any outdoor activity. Jelt belt’s elasticity and low profile functionality pair well with the needs of outdoor activities.
Jelt Cross Body Bags
As of July 2024, Jelt released a Cross Body Bag. This is Jelt’s first ever non-belt product made from recycled material.
“We won’t lie,” said Amy, “Making products in the United States is really hard. The labor costs more and it’s harder to source materials. But it’s the right thing to do. Our bags may cost more than your mainstream crossbody bag, but they’re made from the best sustainable material on the market, sewn by some of the best sewers in Montana, and we’re really proud of that.”
“It’s important to us to continue to produce our products in Montana because it keeps our local jobs… local. It also allows us to keep a close eye on the quality of our products and ensures every bag is just right.” Amy continued.
These new cross body bags are made from the best outdoor material on the market. The material is called ECOPAK™ and is extremely durable and produced with the newest innovations in sustainability.
ECOPAK™ is the world’s only composite fabric made with 100% recycled fiber and film. Each yard up cycles about 20 plastic water bottles into durable technical textiles.
ECOPAK™ is manufactured at eco-friendly facilities powered by hydroelectric energy. Additionally, the material is produced without toxic solvents or VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) typically found in other recycled material products.
Although ECOPAK™ isn’t 100% manufactured in the US, it follows strict sustainability guidelines and there isn’t an American Made alternative on the market.
The rest of the bag is made of components that come from the US, including a Jelt branded tag, zippers, zipper pulls, and an adjustable strap.
The bag itself is optimized for functionality with 6 total pockets, 2 water resistant zippers, an adjustable strap and UV and water resistant material. The bag was sewn locally in Montana by a small team at Steadfast Systems.
It’s the perfect on-the-go companion when you’re running errands, walking the dog, exploring on an after-work hike, seeing a concert or heading out for a day of travel.
The purpose of the release was to expand Jelt’s product offering in everyday recycled material goods. The bags are already receiving rave reviews from those who are first to wear them.
Over the years, Jelt has given to many organizations, including THRIVE, an organization that strengthens families and Warriors and Quiet Waters, an organization dedicated to healing America’s combat veterans with the serenity of Montana fly-fishing.
Looking Ahead
As Jelt looks to the future, they’re excited to expand into other recycled material products. “We believe that the most sustainable option is the one you already have,” said Amy, “but if you are going to buy something new, why not choose a product that was made close to home and from recycled materials?”
Jelt continues to seek out new raw materials in hopes that they can one day source 100% of what they produce in the US.
“I’m confident that our new crossbody bag could literally last your lifetime,” said Amy. “They’re that durable. In my opinion, the most sustainable products are ones that you don’t have to replace. I love a ‘buy it once’ product. It’s less expensive in the long term, and it means you’re consuming less. I know our crossbody bags can be that.”
To support Jelt, visit jeltbelt.com.
