Chloe Zhang
The fashion industry is increasingly embracing recycled plastic as a sustainable alternative to virgin plastic. Major brands such as Adidas, H&M, Everlane, and Patagonia have launched clothing lines made from recycled plastic bottles and ocean waste. While this trend has positive environmental implications, it has also sparked a debate about the cost of these garments. Some consumers argue that they are paying premium prices for clothing made from recycled plastic, while others suggest that clothing, in general, is cheaper than ever due to the use of inexpensive fabric and labour. The process of recycling plastic into fabric involves shredding, melting, and spinning the material into yarn, which can result in lower-quality fibres and cloth. Additionally, the separation of different materials and dyes in complex garments can be labour-intensive and expensive. As a result, the cost of producing recycled clothing may vary, impacting the price consumers pay for these items.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials used | Recycled plastic bottles and ocean waste |
| Process | The bottles are sorted by color, stripped of their caps, sanitized, and sent to a grinder to be pulverized into chips, melted, and spun into yarn, which is then sewn into clothes |
| Companies using recycled plastic | Adidas, Everlane, Girlfriend Collective, H&M, Kelly Slater's Outerknown, Patagonia, Reformation, Rothy's, Timberland |
| Cost | Premium prices, but clothes made with plastic are cheaper to produce |
| Environmental impact | Reduces reliance on new plastic and gives new life to existing plastic pollution |
| Sustainability | Recycled materials are a positive step, but companies need to consider the entire life cycle of their clothing, including planning for end-of-life and recyclability |
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What You'll Learn
Premium pricing for recycled plastic clothing
The use of recycled plastic in clothing is becoming increasingly popular as companies seek to reduce their environmental impact and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. However, the process of recycling plastic into clothing can be complex and costly, which is reflected in the pricing of such garments.
Recycled polyester, for example, is often derived from plastic bottles rather than previous polyester clothing due to the challenge of separating the polyester fabric from other materials such as buttons and zippers. The recycling process involves shredding, melting, and spinning the plastic into yarn, which can then be woven or knitted into fabric. This labour-intensive process, along with the cost of collecting and sorting the plastic waste, contributes to the higher price of recycled plastic clothing.
Additionally, brands that use recycled plastic in their clothing lines often have higher overhead costs associated with their commitment to sustainability. These costs may include investing in new technologies, sourcing recycled materials, and implementing more rigorous production processes to ensure the quality of the final product. These additional expenses are often passed on to the consumer in the form of premium pricing.
Furthermore, there is a growing consumer demand for recycled plastic clothing, driven by a shift in values and an increased awareness of the environmental impact of the fashion industry. Consumers are often willing to pay a premium for products that align with their values and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. This demand enables companies to charge higher prices for recycled plastic clothing, as consumers perceive the environmental benefits as justifying the higher cost.
While the price of recycled plastic clothing may be higher than that of conventional clothing, it is important to consider the long-term benefits. Recycled plastic clothing can help reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills and oceans, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. Ultimately, the decision to purchase recycled plastic clothing rests with the consumer, who must weigh the benefits of sustainability against the higher price point.
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The recycling process
One challenge in the recycling process is the presence of dyes and chemicals used in the original fabric, as these can be potentially toxic and impact the recyclability of the material. If the goal is to create a new material that is as close to the original as possible, all the different components and fibers must be separated, which can be labor-intensive and expensive.
Another challenge is the quality of the recycled fabric. The shredding process results in shorter fibers, leading to lower-quality yarn and cloth. To counter this, some companies mix recycled cotton with virgin cotton to ensure better quality.
Despite these challenges, many companies are embracing recycled materials to reduce their environmental impact and meet the shifting expectations of their customers.
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Environmental impact
The fashion industry has a huge climate footprint, with textile production consuming 1.35% of global oil production. The production of plastic-derived materials is particularly harsh on the environment, with its high water usage, toxic dyeing process, and association with the fossil fuel industry.
Clothing made from recycled plastics can help to reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry. By using recycled plastics, brands can reduce the need for new plastic to be produced, which in turn reduces the use of water and chemicals. For example, brands such as Everlane, Patagonia, and H&M are making garments out of recycled plastics, with Everlane partnering with groups in Taiwan and Japan to collect recycled plastic water bottles. The bottles are then sanitized, melted, and spun into a fine yarn, which is then sewn into clothes. In 2018, Adidas sold one million pairs of shoes with recycled plastic in them, and other brands such as Rothy's and Reformation have also won over huge audiences by only using recycled materials.
However, it is important to note that the use of recycled materials in clothing is not a perfect solution. One of the biggest concerns with clothing made from recycled plastics is the issue of microfibres. Microfibres, or tiny bits of plastic, are shed by clothing made from synthetic fabrics every time they are washed, and these microfibres make their way into the ocean, becoming a significant source of ocean and shoreline pollution. These microfibres are also present in clothing made from recycled synthetic materials, and they continue to be shed even after the clothing has been recycled. As such, experts worry that consumers may believe that clothing made from recycled materials is impact-free, when that is not the case.
Additionally, the process of recycling clothing can be labour-intensive and expensive, especially when it comes to separating the different components and fibres of a garment, such as buttons, zippers, and different types of fabric. The fibres used in recycled clothing may also be of lower quality, resulting in clothing that is more likely to be discarded quickly.
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Brand initiatives
Several fashion brands are now using recycled plastic in their clothing lines, with some companies forming an international initiative called Fashion Without Borders, dedicated to promoting sustainable fashion.
- Everlane has developed its ReNew collection, with a commitment to removing virgin plastic from its supply chain. It works with groups in Taiwan and Japan to collect recycled plastic water bottles, which are sanitized, melted, and spun into yarn to create clothing.
- Adidas sold one million pairs of shoes with recycled plastic in 2018.
- H&M uses recycled polyester and cotton as key aspects of its sustainability initiatives.
- Patagonia has been using recycled materials in its clothing for years, with its products being almost entirely made from recycled polyester from plastic bottles.
- Girlfriend Collective is a transparent company that produces sports bras, leggings, joggers, and other activewear from recycled plastic. Its clothing can be recycled on repeat through its ReGirlfriend take-back scheme.
- Up-Fuse is a Cairo-based social enterprise that works with Syrian, Ethiopian, and Sudanese female refugees in Egypt to create unique products from recycled plastic.
- The Common Good Company is an Australian brand that produces clothing using recycled materials, including offcuts to minimize textile waste.
- Mara Hoffman is a lifestyle women's brand with designer clothing that uses a range of earth-conscious materials, including recycled nylon and recycled polyester.
- TWOTHIRDS is a brand that manufactures its products locally to reduce its carbon footprint and audits its final stage of production.
- PlanetWarrier is an eco-friendly clothing brand that uses sustainable materials and invests in communities, with prices ranging from $25 to $60.
- Zero Waste Daniel is a brand that uses recycled fabrics like plastic bottles to create lightweight and durable clothing.
- BEEN London is a brand that turns waste into accessories, with products made from recycled plastic bottles and leather offcuts.
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The future of recycled clothing
The fashion industry is one of the most polluting in the world, with the average person consuming around 80 pounds of new clothing and textile products annually. However, the future of clothing is looking brighter, with sustainable and recycled fashion leading the way.
Sustainable fashion is produced with minimal negative impact on the environment and workers, incorporating eco-friendly materials, manufacturing processes that conserve water and energy, and fair labor practices. Recycled fashion, a key aspect of sustainability, involves using post-consumer waste (e.g., old clothes, fabric scraps, plastic bottles) to create new garments, reducing waste and diverting usable materials from landfills.
Major brands like H&M, Adidas, and Everlane are embracing sustainability. H&M's global garment-collecting initiative, launched in 2013, encourages customers to drop off unwanted clothes and textiles for reuse, repurposing, or recycling. Everlane's ReNew collection, made from recycled plastic bottles, aims to eliminate virgin plastic from its supply chain. Adidas sold one million pairs of shoes with recycled plastic. These companies recognize the shift in consumer expectations and the value of a clear sustainability message.
While challenges exist, such as the complexity of recycling mixed-material garments, technological advancements offer hope. Currently, a garment can contain up to 20% recycled fibers (cotton or wool) without compromising quality. Investing in innovation can increase this percentage, moving us closer to fully reusing and recycling donated textile fibers.
By choosing sustainable and recycled clothing, consumers support environmentally conscious brands and reduce their environmental impact. These clothing options are often more affordable and durable, making them a cost-effective and eco-friendly choice. With consumer awareness growing, the future of fashion is undoubtedly intertwined with sustainability and recycling.
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Frequently asked questions
The cost of clothing made from recycled plastic varies depending on the brand and the specific item. Some people argue that you are paying premium prices for these clothes, while others argue that clothes are cheaper than they've ever been, regardless of the material.
Recycling clothing is a difficult and expensive process. The garments' components and fibres often need to be separated, which requires labour. The fabric is shredded, resulting in a lower quality yarn and cloth. Creating recycled clothing can be costly for brands, and these costs may be reflected in the price of the garment.
Clothes made from recycled plastic can be worth the price if you value sustainability and want to support brands that are taking steps to reduce their environmental impact. However, it's important to remember that recycled materials are not the finish line when it comes to sustainability. To make a true difference, brands and consumers need to consider the entire life cycle of a garment, from production to end-of-life.
Many brands are incorporating recycled plastic into their collections, including Adidas, Rothy's, Girlfriend Collective, H&M, Timberland, Everlane, Patagonia, and Reformation.
Yes, using recycled plastic in clothing offers a double benefit. It reduces the reliance on virgin plastic, which is made from petroleum, and gives new life to existing plastic pollution. Additionally, it helps tackle the issue of plastic waste, as only 9% of all plastic ever produced has been recycled.
