Is Cotton Recyclable?
Textile manufacturing companies across Asia are racing to solve material production problems within the textile and clothing industry as environmental changes and global warming begins to influence buying habits and sourcing decision. Many people wonder, “Is Cotton Recyclable?” and if so, what can be done at the consumer and brand levels to help influence positive change?
Textiles Upcycling
Yes, cotton is recyclable and there are many ways in which consumers and clothing brands can be a part of the recycling process. Firstly, consumers make choices regarding which materials to buy and brands to shop. In woven fabric production, recycled cotton fabric is created by recycling either pre- or post-consumer cotton fabrics and such material can be used again in fashion clothing. Consumers may shop for clothing made with certified recycled cotton from GRS fabric manufacturers. Secondly, brands looking to improve their sustainability ratings may implement closed loop recycling or circular loop fabric upcycling programs within their supply chain to provide consumers with purchasing options. Third, brands may seek out sustainable fabric suppliers in order to gain data and production ratings and build supplier matrixes with transparency towards environmental savings rather than sourcing based on price and speed alone. Lastly, consumers may also demand more transparency at the point of sale locations for the environmental impacts and carbon emissions of their recycled fabrics and garments.
“If necessity is the mother of invention, discontent is the father of progress” ~ David Rockefeller
Fashion Sustainability for Fabric
Textiles upcycling is beneficial as form of material renewal which saves roughly 60% of the carbon emissions output and 30% of water consumption for fashion clothing.
While the LCA measurable savings for fabric is data driven, will consumers look at environmental factors when shopping? Fashion forward designs remain relevant and textile developers must not lose sight of the importance to be both fashionable and sustainable. Under the NF Truly Sustainable Label by New Focus Textiles, for example, all fabrics and products use more sustainable materials and processes that minimize the impact to the earth, while remaining fashionablefor inspiration and trends.
Recycled Cotton
While recycled cotton has a lower carbon footprint and uses less water than the equivalent virgin cotton material, manufacturers cannot be the decision-makers for the fashion industry. Sustainable fabric manufacturers offer better options and alternatives, but buyers and consumers themselves hold the power of whether the future of textiles and clothing will truly be sustainable. With a host of advantages and benefits, consumers have a responsibility to demand change and transparency from brands and to ask more from their fellow shoppers to buy with a conscience efforts towards sustainable fashion.
