What is the name of recycled fabric?
Have you ever wondered what happens to old clothing and plastic bottles once they’re tossed away? Many of these items get a second life as recycled fabric! Recycled fabric is material made from things that would otherwise end up in landfills. Companies collect used items like plastic bottles, fishing nets, and worn-out clothes, then break them down and turn them into brand new fabric. These fabrics have special names based on what they’re made from and who makes them. Let’s explore the world of recycled fabrics together and learn how old stuff becomes new again!
Types of Recycled Fabric
Recycled fabrics come in many forms, each with unique properties and uses. Some are made from natural materials, while others come from synthetic sources like plastic. Here’s a deeper look at the main types you might encounter.
Recycled Natural Fabrics
Natural recycled fabrics come from plant or animal sources that have been used before. When we recycle cotton, linen, or wool, we reduce the need to grow new crops or raise more animals.
Recycled Cotton: This fabric starts its journey as cotton scraps from garment factories or as old cotton clothing. Workers sort the scraps by color, shred them into fibers, and spin these fibers into new yarn. The result is soft, breathable fabric that uses far less water than growing new cotton. Many brands call this material “Regenerated Cotton” or “Reclaimed Cotton.”
Recycled Wool: Old wool sweaters and fabric scraps get a new life as recycled wool. The process involves cleaning the wool, sorting it by color, and breaking it down to create new yarn. This recycled material keeps you just as warm as new wool but with a smaller environmental footprint. Look for names like “Recovered Wool” or “Upcycled Wool” on clothing tags.
Recycled Silk: Silk scraps from factories or old silk garments can become recycled silk fabric. This luxurious material has the same smooth feel as new silk but requires fewer resources to produce. Some companies call this “Repurposed Silk” or “Reclaimed Silk.”
Recycled Synthetic Fabrics
Synthetic recycled fabrics come mainly from plastic items like bottles, fishing nets, or old synthetic clothing. These materials would otherwise sit in landfills for hundreds of years.
Recycled Polyester (rPET): This popular recycled fabric starts as plastic bottles. Machines clean the bottles, shred them into tiny flakes, melt these flakes, and form them into fiber. The fiber then becomes yarn for making clothes. This process uses 30-50% less energy than making new polyester. Many brands use names like “REPREVE,” “EcoVero,” or simply “rPET” for this material.
ECONYL: This special recycled nylon comes from old fishing nets, carpet flooring, and fabric scraps. The company Aquafil creates ECONYL through a chemical process that breaks down nylon waste and rebuilds it into new nylon fiber. The resulting fabric works well for swimwear, activewear, and carpets.
Recycled Acrylic: Old acrylic clothing and manufacturing waste become recycled acrylic fabric. This material feels soft like wool but costs less to produce. Some companies market it as “Recovered Acrylic” or “Eco-Acrylic.”
Innovative Recycled Fabrics
Beyond the basic recycled materials, some companies create unique fabrics from surprising sources. These innovative options showcase human creativity in tackling waste.
Unusual Source Materials
Seaqual: This fabric comes from plastic waste collected from oceans by fishermen. After cleaning and processing, the plastic becomes polyester yarn. Clothing made from Seaqual helps clean our oceans while creating useful products.
Piñatex: While not fully recycled, this innovative material uses pineapple leaf fibers (a waste product from pineapple farming) to create a leather-like fabric. Farmers would normally burn these leaves, but now they can sell them for extra income.
S.Cafe: This fabric contains recycled coffee grounds mixed with recycled polyester. The coffee adds natural odor control and UV protection to the fabric. Plus, it keeps coffee waste out of landfills.
Orange Fiber: Made from citrus juice byproducts that would otherwise be thrown away, this silky fabric gives orange peels a second life as clothing.
Comparison of Recycled Fabric Types
| Fabric Name | Source Material | Properties | Common Uses | Environmental Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recycled Cotton | Used cotton clothing, factory scraps | Soft, breathable, absorbent | T-shirts, jeans, underwear | 20,000 liters less water per kg than virgin cotton |
| ECONYL | Fishing nets, carpet, fabric waste | Durable, stretchy, quick-drying | Swimwear, activewear, carpets | Reduces ocean plastic, 80% less energy than new nylon |
| rPET (Recycled Polyester) | Plastic bottles | Durable, wrinkle-resistant, quick-drying | Athletic wear, jackets, backpacks | 30-50% less energy use, reduces landfill waste |
| Recycled Wool | Old wool garments, factory scraps | Warm, moisture-wicking, durable | Sweaters, coats, blankets | Less water and land use than new wool production |
| Piñatex | Pineapple leaf fibers | Leather-like, durable, breathable | Shoes, bags, furniture | Uses agricultural waste, biodegradable |
| S.Cafe | Coffee grounds, recycled polyester | Odor-controlling, UV-protective | Athletic wear, outdoor clothing | Reduces landfill waste, uses less energy |
| Seaqual | Ocean plastic | Durable, versatile | Clothing, accessories, home goods | Removes plastic from oceans, uses 40% less energy |
| Recycled Silk | Silk scraps, old silk garments | Smooth, lightweight, breathable | Blouses, dresses, scarves | Reduces textile waste, uses less water |
How to Identify Recycled Fabrics
When shopping for clothes made from recycled materials, look for clear labels that explain what the fabric is made from. Many brands now proudly share this information on tags or their websites.
Certification Labels
Several organizations certify recycled fabrics to help shoppers make informed choices:
Global Recycled Standard (GRS): This label verifies that a product contains recycled materials and meets environmental and social standards throughout production.
Recycled Claim Standard (RCS): This certification confirms that a product contains recycled materials but doesn’t check other environmental factors.
OEKO-TEX: While not specifically for recycled fabrics, this certification ensures that textiles don’t contain harmful chemicals, which is important since some recycled materials might contain unwanted substances.
Reading Product Labels
When checking clothing tags, look for phrases like:
- “Made from recycled materials”
- “Contains X% recycled polyester”
- “Made from X plastic bottles”
- Specific brand names like “REPREVE” or “ECONYL”
Remember that not all “eco-friendly” fabrics are recycled. Terms like “organic” or “natural” don’t necessarily mean recycled.
Benefits of Choosing Recycled Fabrics
Buying clothing made from recycled materials does more good than you might think. Here’s why these fabrics deserve attention:
Environmental Impact
Recycled fabrics reduce:
- Landfill waste by giving materials a second life
- Water usage, especially for cotton and wool recycling
- Energy consumption compared to making virgin materials
- Chemical use needed for new fabric production
- Plastic pollution in oceans and waterways
One recycled polyester shirt can keep about 10-15 plastic bottles out of landfills. If everyone in the United States bought just one recycled polyester item instead of a new polyester item, we could save billions of bottles from landfills each year.
Quality and Performance
Many people worry that recycled fabrics won’t perform as well as new materials. However, modern recycling technology has improved greatly. Today’s recycled fabrics offer:
- Durability comparable to virgin materials
- Proper moisture-wicking for athletic wear
- Comfortable feel against the skin
- Color retention and wash resistance
- Versatility for various uses
FAQ About Recycled Fabrics
Q: Are clothes made from recycled materials more expensive? A: They can be slightly more expensive because recycling processes sometimes cost more than making new fabric. However, prices are coming down as more companies adopt these materials. Plus, many recycled garments last longer, saving money over time.
Q: Can recycled fabrics be recycled again? A: Yes, many recycled fabrics can go through multiple recycling cycles. However, each cycle may reduce the quality slightly. Polyester can typically be recycled 5-7 times before the fibers become too short to use.
Q: Do recycled fabrics feel different from regular fabrics? A: Modern recycled fabrics often feel identical to their non-recycled counterparts. Technology has improved so much that you probably won’t notice any difference in softness, stretch, or comfort.
Q: How can I recycle my old clothes? A: Many clothing brands now accept old garments for recycling. You can also find textile recycling bins in some communities, donate wearable items to thrift stores, or look for specialty recyclers online who accept clothing by mail.
Q: Are all recycled fabrics good for the environment? A: While recycled fabrics generally have lower environmental impacts than virgin materials, no fabric is perfect. Some recycling processes still use water and energy. The best approach is to buy quality items that last longer and create less waste overall.
Q: Can I wash recycled fabrics normally? A: Yes, most recycled fabrics can be washed like their conventional counterparts. Always check the care label for specific instructions, as some materials may require gentler washing to maintain their quality longer.
Whether you call it rPET, ECONYL, or recycled cotton, choosing clothes made from recycled fabrics helps close the loop in our consumption cycle. These materials show that “waste” often isn’t waste at all—just resources in the wrong place. By supporting brands that use recycled fabrics, we vote with our wallets for a more sustainable fashion industry.
