Recycled apparel is an important way to reduce the number of textiles entering landfills. Various methods are used to make recycled clothing. These include reselling clothing in charity shops, sending them to foreign countries for resale, and recycling raw materials. This article will cover the basics of how recycled apparel is made and where you can find it.
Textiles
The recycling process for textiles is a great way to make use of used materials, and it is becoming an increasingly important part of the fashion industry. Increasing environmental awareness of waste management has led to a renewed focus on minimizing textile wastage. By developing a market for recycled textiles, textile companies can minimize the amount of waste sent to landfills.
Plastics
The use of recycled plastic in apparel is a growing trend, and it can have a significant impact on the environment. Consumers are increasingly seeking brands that support the environment and are committed to doing their part. And recent data indicates this trend will continue in the future. Demand for recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is expected to triple by 2050. Using rPET in apparel can reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in landfills. And more fashion brands, including Ralph Lauren and Adidas, have committed to using recycled plastic. And there are many programs in place to help feed this demand – from improving labeling to capturing and sorting used plastic.
Cotton
Recycled cotton apparel is a good way to reduce your wardrobe’s environmental impact. Not only is recycled cotton more durable than conventional cotton, but it also saves resources. A pair of jeans, for example, uses over 20,000 liters of water. Moreover, recycled cotton apparel requires fewer chemicals and energy to produce. It also keeps clothes out of landfills. The average American throws away 80 pounds of clothing each year. However, less than one percent of this waste is recycled into new garments.
Nylon
Nylon is one of the most common synthetic fabrics used in clothing. It can be durable and stretchy, but nylon is notoriously difficult to recycle. It takes hundreds of years to break down and is not biodegradable or compostable. Additionally, it contains high levels of nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to stratosphere ozone depletion. As a result, it is best disposed of in landfills.
Upcycled materials
The use of upcycled materials in recycled apparel is an effective way to reduce the environmental impact of clothing production. This type of production typically repurposes 50% or more of the material used in the original product. Many of the materials used in upcycled apparel are recycled fibers or metals that are then used in the production of new garments. Upcycling has several benefits for both the environment and human health, as it reduces greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprint while simultaneously promoting the humane treatment of labor, safe use of dyestuffs, and eliminating animal cruelty.
Textiles mixed with virgin cotton
Textiles made from recycled cotton often require different processes and have different properties compared to virgin cotton. This is due to the difference in the ginning, packing, orientation, and final composition of the two types of cotton. Regenerated cotton is cheaper but has a higher chance of contamination compared to virgin cotton. The use of existing materials can help offset the carbon and fossil fuel emissions that result from the production of new fabrics.
Rapanui Clothing
Rapanui Clothing recycles recycled apparel. They use organic and recycled cotton in their products and recycle the cotton seeds for organic cow feed and vegetable oil. The company also uses every part of the plant, from the leaves to the petals. They even claim to make potable water from 95% of the wastewater generated during the dyeing process.
