Alexei Volkov
With the fashion industry increasingly turning to recycled plastic as a sustainable alternative to traditional clothing materials, consumers are now confronted with a new set of challenges and considerations. One such consideration is the issue of shrinkage, which is a common problem with many clothing materials. While recycled plastic clothing offers an innovative solution to the vast amounts of plastic waste produced globally, it is important to understand its potential limitations and unique characteristics, such as its propensity to shrink when exposed to high temperatures during washing or drying.
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What You'll Learn
How to prevent recycled plastic clothing from shrinking
While recycled plastic clothing is a promising solution to reducing the environmental impact of the fashion industry, it is not without its challenges. One common issue with recycled plastic clothing is its tendency to shrink. However, there are several ways to prevent this from happening and maintain the quality of your garments.
Firstly, it is crucial to understand how recycled plastic fabric is made. Recycled plastic clothing is typically created by melting down existing plastic, such as discarded water bottles, and reshaping it into new polyester fibres. This process results in a durable and wrinkle-resistant fabric that is less susceptible to shrinkage compared to natural fibres.
To prevent shrinkage, follow the care instructions on the clothing label. These instructions provide essential guidelines for maintaining the garment's quality. For example, if the label specifies "cold water only," avoid using hot water as it can cause the fibres to contract and shrink. Similarly, follow the recommended drying instructions, such as tumble drying on a low setting, to prevent heat-related shrinkage.
When washing recycled plastic clothing, use detergents formulated to be colour-safe. These detergents are less likely to strip colour from your clothes and can help maintain their appearance. Additionally, address spills and stains promptly using targeted stain removal techniques. By avoiding the temptation to increase the wash temperature or use harsh chemicals, you can prevent fabric discolouration and shrinkage.
Finally, consider investing in a purpose-designed wash bag, such as the Guppyfriend Washing Bag, to catch microfibres released during washing. These bags prevent the shedding of plastic fibres, reducing their environmental impact and helping to maintain the quality of your clothing.
By following these simple instructions, you can effectively prevent recycled plastic clothing from shrinking and enjoy your garments for longer while contributing to a more sustainable future.
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The environmental impact of recycled plastic clothing
However, there are also concerns about the limitations and potential drawbacks of recycled plastic clothing. Firstly, the recycling process itself has limitations, as many garments are made from blends of polyester and other materials, making them difficult or impossible to recycle. Even 100% polyester garments have limitations in terms of recyclability. While mechanical and chemical recycling methods exist, the former is the most commonly used due to its lower cost and reduced chemical usage.
Another significant concern is the issue of microfibre pollution. Recycled plastic clothing, like other synthetic fabrics, sheds tiny plastic particles known as microfibres during washing. These microfibres contribute to ocean and shoreline pollution, finding their way into marine life and even humans. The debate around addressing this issue involves various stakeholders, including consumers, washing machine manufacturers, clothing brands, and policymakers. While some advocate for systemic change, such as moving away from fossil fuels, others suggest solutions like filtration systems at the production level or investing in products that catch microfibres during washing.
Additionally, the rise of fast fashion and rampant consumerism has further complicated the environmental impact of recycled plastic clothing. As prices of new clothing continue to decline, the demand for used clothing may decrease. This dynamic can lead to increased consumption and disposal of clothing, exacerbating the environmental challenges. To address these issues, some manufacturers are developing "eco-fashions" or "innovative eco-fashions", aiming to improve the environmental performance of their products throughout their life cycles.
In conclusion, the environmental impact of recycled plastic clothing is a nuanced topic. While it offers a promising solution to plastic waste, challenges remain in terms of recyclability, microfibre pollution, and the broader context of fast fashion. Addressing these issues requires a multi-faceted approach involving systemic changes, consumer awareness, and the development of more sustainable practices and products within the fashion industry.
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The limitations of recycling plastic clothing
Secondly, recycled plastic clothing is not a permanent solution. These garments will eventually become waste again, facing the same challenges as their virgin plastic counterparts, such as the creation of microplastics and the difficulty of recycling. Microplastics are released during each wash cycle, contributing to ocean and shoreline pollution, and ending up in marine life and even humans.
Additionally, the recycling process for plastic clothing has its own set of limitations. Many clothing items are made from blends of polyester and other materials, making them difficult or impossible to recycle. Even 100% polyester clothing has a limited recycling lifespan. Mechanical recycling, the most common method, involves shredding and re-spinning plastic into new fibres, but this process cannot be repeated indefinitely.
Furthermore, the production of recycled plastic clothing can be resource-intensive. While it uses existing plastic waste, the process of transforming this waste into usable fabric requires energy and chemicals, especially for closed-loop systems that aim for higher-quality recycled nylon.
Lastly, the market for recycled plastic clothing may not be able to keep up with the rapid growth in plastic waste. With only 9% of plastics currently being recycled, the fashion industry's demand for recycled plastic may not significantly reduce overall plastic waste.
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The microplastics released by recycled polyester
While recycled polyester gives a second life to plastic that would otherwise end up in landfills or the ocean, it is not without its limitations. One of the biggest concerns surrounding recycled polyester is its contribution to microplastic pollution.
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles smaller than 5mm, and they have become one of the most serious environmental hazards today. These microplastics enter oceans and waterways due to human errors, carelessness, and fragmentation when using various materials, including textiles.
Textiles, particularly synthetic fabrics, are a major contributor to microplastic pollution. Every time synthetic clothing is washed, tiny microfibers are shed and make their way into oceans and shorelines. These microfibers are ingested by marine life, leading to physical harm, starvation, and even death. Additionally, microplastics can absorb toxic chemicals from the surrounding water, further endangering wildlife.
Recycled polyester, like its virgin counterpart, is not exempt from this issue. Studies have shown that a single synthetic garment, whether made from virgin or recycled polyester, can release up to 1.7 grams of microfibers per wash. Moreover, the friction from wearing these clothes can also cause fibers to break off, contributing to microplastic pollution even without the washing process.
To address this issue, individuals can take several steps. Firstly, reducing the purchase of synthetic clothing and opting for natural fibers such as cotton or linen is recommended. Additionally, washing synthetic clothing less frequently and investing in laundry bags designed to capture loose fibers during washing can help mitigate the release of microplastics.
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The process of turning recycled plastic into clothing
The first step in the process is to collect the plastic waste, which can include items such as discarded plastic water bottles, old fishing nets, and other shoreline waste. This waste is then compressed and placed into bales before being transported to a facility that processes plastic waste. At the facility, the plastic waste is broken down into small flakes, which are then turned into small pellets at another facility. These pellets are then melted and filtered before being spun into threads by passing them through a nozzle that resembles a showerhead. This creates a viscose yarn that can be used to make a range of clothing items such as sports bras, swimwear, or t-shirts.
One of the benefits of using recycled plastic in clothing is that it reduces the dependence on oil within the fashion industry, as traditional synthetic fabrics are often made from oil. Recycled plastic clothing also helps to reduce the number of processes involved in growing natural fibres like cotton, which can be resource-intensive. In addition, recycling plastic waste into clothing can help to prevent pollution and reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and the ocean.
However, it is important to note that clothing made from recycled plastic is not without its limitations and potential drawbacks. For example, recycled polyester can release microplastics during the washing process, contributing to ocean and shoreline pollution. In addition, many garments are made from a blend of polyester and other materials, making them difficult or impossible to recycle. Even 100% polyester garments cannot be recycled indefinitely.
Despite these challenges, the trend of using recycled plastic in clothing is likely to continue as companies and consumers become more aware of the environmental impact of the fashion industry.
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Frequently asked questions
Recycled plastic clothing is made from synthetic fabric, which is less susceptible to shrinkage compared to natural fibers like cotton or wool. However, exposing the fabric to high temperatures during washing or drying can cause the fibers to contract and lead to some shrinkage.
To avoid shrinkage, follow the care instructions on the clothing label. For example, use cold water for washing and tumble dry on a low setting.
Many brands are incorporating recycled plastic into their clothing lines, including Everlane, Patagonia, H&M, Adidas, Girlfriend Collective, and Timberland.
Recycled plastic fabric is created by collecting, sorting, sanitizing, and grinding plastic waste, such as water bottles, into chips. These chips are then melted and spun into yarn, which can be sewn into clothing.
Recycled plastic clothing can help reduce plastic waste and keep it from landfills and the ocean. However, it is important to note that recycled plastic clothing can release microplastics during washing, contributing to ocean and shoreline pollution.
