Why Are Recycled Materials Important?
The fashion industry today faces major challenges in terms of waste and natural resource consumption. To minimize their impact on the environment, many fashion brands have switched to using recycled materials. This not only helps reduce waste and save resources, but also contributes to reducing carbon emissions during the production process.
1. Recycled Polyester
Recycled polyester (rPET) is one of the most popular recycled materials in fashion. Manufactured from used plastic bottles, rPET helps reduce plastic waste and reduces the need to produce petroleum-based polyester. Brands like Patagonia and Adidas have used rPET in many of their collections, from sportswear to shoes.
Recycled polyester has the advantages of being durable, easy to care for and wrinkle-resistant, helping to prolong the life of fashion products. Additionally, recycling plastic to create polyester consumes less energy than producing from new raw materials, helping to reduce carbon emissions.
2. Recycled Nylon
Recycled nylon is created from waste such as fishing nets, carpets and industrial waste. Famous fashion brand Prada used recycled nylon in its “Re-Nylon” collection, pledging to convert its entire nylon product line to recycled nylon by 2021.
Recycled nylon not only reduces waste but also helps reduce CO2 emissions compared to traditional nylon, because the recycling process is less energy intensive and does not require the use of petroleum.
3. Recycled Fiber from the Ocean
Recycled fibers from ocean waste are a special type of material used in fashion. Materials such as discarded fishing nets and marine plastic are collected and recycled into new fibers. Adidas has partnered with Parley for the Oceans to create a footwear line made from ocean waste. This initiative helps clean the ocean and create sustainable fashion products.
These fibers are not only durable but also help create environmentally friendly fashion products, contributing to solving the problem of ocean plastic pollution.
4. Recycled Cotton
Recycled cotton is fabric made from old clothes or used cotton products. Instead of using new cotton, recycled cotton saves water and energy, while minimizing the amount of cotton waste dumped into the environment.
Everlane and Levi’s are two major brands that have used recycled cotton in their products. Besides, recycled cotton is also combined with other sustainable fibers such as recycled polyester to create durable and environmentally friendly products.
5. Recycled Tencel Fabric
Tencel is a biological fabric made from wood and eucalyptus trees, and can be recycled after use. Tencel is not only sustainable but also very soft and breathable, and is widely used in high-end fashion and sportswear.
Using recycled Tencel helps minimize dependence on new materials, while also contributing to the protection of forest resources.
6. Recycled Rubber
Recycled rubber is an environmentally friendly material, used mainly in the production of shoes and accessories. Brands like Rothy’s have created shoe products from recycled rubber, helping to reduce the amount of rubber waste thrown into the environment.
Recycled rubber is not only highly durable but also water-resistant, making it an ideal choice for sustainable footwear products.
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