Recycled Plastic Clothing: Safe Or Not?

With the fashion industry's huge climate footprint, clothing brands are increasingly turning to recycled plastic as a more sustainable alternative to virgin polyester. However, the question of whether clothing made from recycled plastic is safe remains a complex issue. While recycled polyester is generally safe to wear, the dyes and finishing processes used on the yarn can introduce harmful substances. Additionally, the release of microplastics during washing and the potential for chemicals to leach into the skin when heated are concerns that consumers should be aware of.

Is recycled clothing really eco-friendly?

The fashion industry has a huge climate footprint, with textile production consuming 1.35% of global oil production. Synthetic fabrics derived from fossil fuels are widely used, with polyester being the most common, making up 52% of all fiber production.

In response to the growing controversy surrounding the environmental impact of the fashion industry, some brands have started to use recycled plastic in their clothing. This seems like a positive step towards sustainability, and many consumers are actively seeking out these products. However, the reality is more complex, and there are several issues to consider when examining the eco-friendliness of clothing made from recycled plastic.

Firstly, the process of converting plastic bottles into clothing is known as downcycling, and it is important to note that not all plastic is created equally. Plastic bottles are made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a type of plastic that is strong, lightweight, and can be recycled multiple times. While using PET for clothing can be a brilliant use of material and a good step for eco-conscious shoppers, it does not address the root cause of the problem. The fashion industry's excessive production and consumption of crude oil, from which plastic is made, continues to have a significant impact on the environment and contributes to the displacement of millions of animals and people.

Additionally, while recycled plastic clothing may be safe to wear, the dyes and finishing processes used can still contain harmful substances. For example, when plastics are heated, they release toxins, and these chemicals can be absorbed through the skin. This is particularly concerning for clothing that is worn directly against the skin, such as fleece pajamas. To mitigate this risk, consumers can choose to wear a layer of natural fabric, such as cotton, underneath their recycled plastic clothing.

Furthermore, while recycled polyester clothing can help reduce the amount of plastic waste, it does not eliminate the problem of microplastics. Like most fibers, recycled polyester will shed in the wash cycle, contributing to the microplastic problem in the environment. To address this issue, consumers can invest in a filter bag, such as the Guppyfriend, which traps microfibers and prevents them from entering the water stream.

In conclusion, while clothing made from recycled plastic can be a step in the right direction, it is not a perfect solution. The key to sustainability is minimizing purchases and supporting ethical and sustainable brands. By making smarter choices and staying informed about the practices of fashion brands, consumers can play a crucial role in reducing the environmental impact of the fashion industry.

The process of making recycled clothing

Collection and Sorting

Firstly, post-consumer clothing is collected through various methods, including public donation bins, clothing drives, company programs, and mail-in services. After collection, the textiles are sorted based on colour and material. Natural materials, such as cotton, are separated from synthetic fibres like polyester.

Grading and Processing

The sorted textiles are then graded to determine their reusability and resale value. Garments that cannot be resold are further processed for recycling. For natural materials, this involves shredding them into fibres, cleaning and re-aligning the fibres, and then spinning them into yarn. This yarn can be used for various purposes, including new clothing, furniture stuffing, insulation, or cleaning rags.

Recycling and Reengineering

The recycling process can be mechanical or chemical. Mechanical recycling involves breaking down the materials into reusable fibres, which may require adding new, high-quality virgin fibres to improve durability. Chemical recycling, on the other hand, produces high-quality fibres similar to the original without needing additional new fibres. This process is often used for materials like nylon and cellulose-based fibres.

Creating New Products

The recycled fibres are then used to create new products. This can include clothing, accessories, or other textile products. Some companies focus on creating entirely new garments, while others blend recycled fibres with other materials to create hybrid products.

It is important to note that the safety of wearing clothing made from recycled plastic depends on various factors, including the specific chemicals involved and the presence of toxic dyes or finishing processes. While recycled polyester itself is generally considered safe, the dyes and treatments used in the manufacturing process may contain harmful substances. Therefore, consumers should be aware of the potential risks associated with wearing certain recycled plastic clothing, especially directly against the skin.

Potential health risks of wearing recycled plastic clothing

While clothing made from recycled plastic is generally considered safe to wear, there are some potential health risks to be aware of. One concern is the presence of harmful chemicals or toxins in the fabric. During the recycling process, plastic bottles are shredded and melted down, and if not properly cleaned beforehand, these bottles can still contain harmful chemicals or toxins that can be released during the melting process. These toxins can then become embedded in the fabric and come into contact with the skin, potentially causing health issues over time.

Another potential risk is the use of toxic dyes and finishing processes during fabric production. Even if the recycled plastic itself is safe, the dyes and chemicals used to treat the fabric can contain harmful substances that can be absorbed through the skin. It is important to choose clothing made from recycled plastic that has been properly tested and certified as safe, ideally by a third-party organization.

Additionally, clothing made from recycled plastic can contribute to the microplastic problem. Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that are released into the environment when synthetic fabrics are washed or worn. These microplastics can find their way into our oceans and water systems, impacting marine life and potentially entering the food chain. To mitigate this risk, consumers can invest in filter bags that trap microplastics during the washing process, reducing the amount that ends up in the environment.

It is also worth noting that clothing made from recycled plastic can have a negative impact on the environment if not properly disposed of. While recycling plastic bottles into clothing may seem like a sustainable practice, the reality is that these garments are often not recyclable themselves. This means that when they are discarded, they will end up in landfills or be incinerated, contributing to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Finally, there is a potential risk associated with wearing recycled plastic clothing directly against the skin, especially for extended periods. Plastic fabrics can trap heat and moisture, leading to excessive sweating and potential skin irritation. To reduce this risk, it is recommended to wear natural fibre clothing as a base layer, creating a barrier between the plastic fabric and the skin.

Brands that make clothing from recycled plastic

Clothing made from recycled plastic is becoming increasingly common, with many fashion brands offering items made from recycled plastic bottles. While this trend is a step in the right direction for eco-conscious consumers, it is important to note that it does not completely solve the problem of plastic waste. Recycled polyester, for example, still sheds in the wash cycle, contributing to the microplastic issue. Additionally, the safety of wearing such clothing has been questioned, particularly regarding the potential leaching of chemicals when the plastic comes into contact with heat or acid.

Nevertheless, several brands are incorporating recycled plastic into their designs. One such brand is Patagonia, which has been making clothes from plastic soda bottles since the 1990s. Another company, Bionic Yarn, produces yarn and fabrics from recycled plastic bottles, and in 2014, they launched a line of denim called "RAW for the Oceans" in collaboration with G-Star. Girlfriend Collective is another brand that produces sports bras and leggings made from recycled plastic, and they are known for their transparency and ethical production practices. TWOTHIRDS is a brand that shares a similar ocean-conscious ethos, manufacturing its products locally to reduce its carbon footprint.

For those seeking sustainable swimwear, the Melbourne-based label Elle Evans creates stylish swimmers for women and children from post-consumer waste fabrics. Up-Fuse, a Cairo-based social enterprise, promotes an eco-conscious lifestyle by working with female refugees in Egypt to create unique products from recycled materials. BEEN London is another brand that transforms waste into accessories, utilizing recycled leather offcuts and plastic bottles in their designs.

In addition to these smaller companies, some larger brands are also incorporating recycled plastic. For example, Veja, a well-known footwear company, has introduced a line of ethical sneakers made from B-mesh, a material partially composed of recycled plastic bottles.

How to care for clothing made from recycled plastic

Clothing made from recycled plastic is generally considered safe to wear. However, it is important to note that these garments will eventually become plastic waste, contributing to the microplastics problem. To reduce the shedding of microplastics, it is recommended to hand wash these items in cold water with a mild detergent. Soak the garment in natural soap for 5-10 minutes to break down oils and creams, then gently wash and avoid spin-drying. Line dry in the shade to prevent colours from fading.

When purchasing clothing made from recycled plastic, it is important to consider the dyes and finishing processes used, as these may contain harmful substances. It is also worth noting that while recycled clothing helps reduce the exploitation of oil and the number of plastic bottles in our oceans, it does not completely eliminate plastic waste.

To properly care for your recycled plastic clothing and reduce its environmental impact, follow these steps:

• Wash infrequently: Not only will this prolong the life of your garment, but it will also reduce the number of microplastics released into the water system.
• Hand wash: If possible, hand wash your clothing in cold water to reduce the shedding of microplastics. Use a mild detergent or natural soap to prevent the breakdown of synthetic fibres.
• Avoid hot water: Hot water can damage the fabric and increase the release of toxins.
• Line dry: Instead of using a dryer, hang your clothing to dry in the shade to prevent colours from fading and retain elasticity.
• Avoid rough surfaces: Keep your clothing away from pool edges, rocks, and other rough surfaces to prevent damage.
• Use a washing bag: If hand washing is not feasible, consider using a washing bag designed to catch microfibers, such as a Cora ball or Guppyfriend bag.
• Be mindful of dyes: When purchasing recycled plastic clothing, opt for brands that use non-toxic dyes and finishing processes to minimise the risk of harmful substances.

By following these care instructions, you can help ensure that your clothing made from recycled plastic lasts longer and has a reduced impact on the environment.

Frequently asked questions