Shop Recycled Plastic Fabrics: Sustainable Style, Eco-Friendly Sources

where to buy cloth made from recycled plastic

With the world facing a plastic pollution problem, many clothing companies are now making garments out of recycled plastics. Clothes made from plastic bottles, recovered ocean plastics, and even other plastic clothes are becoming increasingly popular in sustainable clothing circles. Girlfriend Collective, Everlane, Patagonia, and H&M are some of the brands that have incorporated recycled plastic into their products.

Characteristics Values
Brand Girlfriend Collective, Everlane, Patagonia, H&M, Adidas, Rothy's, Kelly Slater's Outerknown, Timberland, Mara Hoffman, Elle Evans, Up-Fuse, Veja
Type of Clothing Activewear, Coats, Parkas, Puffer Jackets, Sneakers, Swimwear, Outdoor Gear
Materials Used Recycled Plastic Bottles, Recycled Fishing Nets, Recycled Shoreline Waste, Recycled Nylon, Recycled Polyester
Available in Stores Yes
Available Online Yes
Online Stores LVRSustainable, Farfetch, Vestiaire Collective, REPREVE, Ripstop by the Roll
Sizes XS-L, 2XS-6XL
Colors Block Colors, Bubbly Patterns, OEKO-Certified Safe Dyed Colors
Certifications GOTS, Oeko-Tex STeP, U-TRUST, Global Recycled Standard 4.0

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Sportswear made from recycled plastic

Other brands, such as Everlane, have recognised a "shift in the expectations of customers" and now offer clothing lines made from recycled plastic. Their ReNew collection includes plastic parkas and puffer jackets made from around three million rescued plastic water bottles. Adidas, too, has jumped on the trend, selling one million pairs of shoes with recycled plastic in them.

Waste2Wear is another company that has been manufacturing RPET sportswear from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles since 2016. Their range includes t-shirts, hoodies, swimwear, activewear, and more. The Dutch entrepreneur and textile engineer, Monique Maissan, leads the company with a vision for a better future, creating fabrics and products that are kind to the planet.

For those looking for sustainable sportswear, there are now plenty of options that offer both comfort and conscience. From performance-driven activewear to stylish athleisure, you can join the movement towards a greener future.

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Designer clothing made from recycled plastic

There are a variety of designer clothing brands that use recycled plastic in their manufacturing processes. These brands are committed to sustainability and creating clothing with minimal environmental impact. One such brand is Everlane, which offers a range of clothing items made from recycled plastic, including its ReNew collection of plastic parkas and puffer jackets. Everlane's founder, Michael Preysman, is passionate about creating clothes that are kind to the ocean, and the brand also focuses on reducing water pollution and using non-toxic dyes.

Another designer brand that uses recycled plastic is Gucci, which was one of the first luxury fashion houses to adopt ECONYL®, a 100% regenerated nylon yarn made from recycled fishing nets, for its men's outerwear collection. Other notable brands include Girlfriend Collective, which creates activewear such as sports bras and leggings from recycled plastic, and Mara Hoffman, a lifestyle women's brand with designer clothing made from earth-conscious materials like recycled nylon and polyester.

In addition to these, there are several other brands that incorporate recycled plastic in their collections. For example, Outerknown, founded by professional surfer Kelly Slater, uses recycled polyester and organic cotton to create a range of clothing for men and women, including shirts, sweatpants, and dresses. Similarly, prAna is a brand that incorporates recycled plastic content in its styles, offering activewear and everyday clothing made from upcycled polyester and other sustainable materials. Finally, for those seeking sustainable swimwear options, Batoko, a British brand, creates stylish pieces made entirely from recycled plastic, while Melbourne-based Elle Evans specializes in swimwear crafted from post-consumer waste fabrics.

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Swimwear made from recycled plastic

If you're looking to buy swimwear made from recycled plastic, there are several brands to choose from. Batoko, for instance, has been recycling plastic waste into fun swimwear since 2017. Their swimsuits are made from 100% recycled plastic waste and feature unique prints, with prices starting at £60.00. SeaMorgens is another brand that creates sustainable swimwear from recycled plastic bottles and ECONYL® regenerated yarn from waste such as ghost fishing nets and other nylon waste. Their pieces feature hand-drawn prints inspired by the sea and range from size 6 to 18.

For those seeking a wider range of clothing items made from recycled plastic, brands like Everlane, Girlfriend Collective, and Patagonia are worth considering. Everlane offers a collection called ReNew, which includes plastic parkas and puffer jackets made from recycled plastic water bottles. Girlfriend Collective specializes in activewear, producing sports bras and leggings from recycled plastic in a variety of sizes and colours. Similarly, Patagonia incorporates recycled polyester made from plastic bottles and recycled nylon from fishing nets into their outdoor wear, ensuring durability and comfort.

Other notable brands embracing recycled plastic include Adidas, which has sold shoes made with recycled plastic, and H&M, which has incorporated recycled plastic into its clothing line. Additionally, companies like REPREVE® are leading the way in transforming post-consumer and ocean-bound bottles into traceable fibers and resins, supplying many leading brands. When making a purchase, it's essential to consider not only the environmental benefits of recycled plastic but also the potential impact on the ocean due to microplastics that may be shed during washing.

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Outdoor gear made from recycled plastic

Over the last decade, outdoor gear companies have increasingly opted to use recycled materials in their products. This shift towards sustainability helps reduce the need for raw materials and diverts waste away from landfills.

Recycled polyester is the most commonly used recycled synthetic fabric in outdoor gear. Virgin polyester is derived from petroleum, whereas recycled polyester is typically made by mechanically recycling plastic bottles, which are made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). This process produces a high-quality fabric with a chemical composition almost identical to that of virgin polyester. Some companies are even searching for alternative feedstocks, such as Patagonia, which is working on recycling cafeteria trays into polyester fabric. Recycled polyester can be used to create a range of outdoor gear, from T-shirts and rain jackets to board shorts.

Another common synthetic fabric used in outdoor gear is recycled nylon. Virgin nylon is also synthesized from petroleum, but recycled nylon can be created by melting down and repurposing old fishing nets, diverting them from becoming ocean waste. Programs like NetPlus aim to clean up ocean pollution while producing less petroleum-dependent fabrics. Additionally, companies like Norton Point and "The Plastic Bank" pay Haitians to collect high-density polyethylene plastic from beaches, which is then melted and molded into sunglasses frames.

Several brands are known for their innovative use of recycled materials in outdoor gear. For example, United by Blue is a sustainable US-based company that sources sustainable materials and supplies chains. They use recycled polyester and rescue Bison Wool, which would usually be discarded as a byproduct of the meat industry. Eagle Creek has introduced the Gear Warrior collection, featuring luggage and travel packs made from sustainable fabric composed of 100% recycled PET ripstop and recycled coating. Backcountry, an outdoor goods retailer, has created a flannel shirt with Seawool, a material made from recycled oyster shells. This shirt is warm, naturally odour-resistant, moisture-wicking, and wrinkle-resistant.

By choosing outdoor gear made from recycled plastic, you can help reduce the demand for virgin polyester and nylon, which are derived from petroleum. This, in turn, helps to reduce the environmental impact of the outdoor industry and promotes a more sustainable future.

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Sneakers made from recycled plastic

If you're looking to buy clothing made from recycled plastic, there are a number of brands to choose from. Big brands like Adidas, Everlane, H&M, and Patagonia have all incorporated recycled plastic into their clothing lines. Girlfriend Collective, a small company, creates sports bras and leggings from recycled plastic, while Veja is known for producing ethical sneakers from recycled materials.

For those looking for sneakers made from recycled plastic, there are several options to choose from. SAOLA is a brand that has developed a collection of sustainable shoes with clear goals in mind: to make them comfortable, casual, and with as many recycled materials as possible. Their sneakers, the Cannon Knit and Tsavo, are designed with versatile silhouettes and easy-to-wear colours that can be worn in various settings. SAOLA uses recycled plastic, natural rubber, recycled cork, and organic cotton to create their eco-friendly shoes, aiming to reduce their environmental footprint.

Rothy's is another brand that offers washable shoes made with recycled materials, including single-use plastic. They support legislation to stop the creation of single-use plastic and look forward to using new, regenerative materials. While they use recycled plastic in their production, they also emphasize the need for new, sustainable sources.

Adidas has also joined the movement towards sustainability, having sold one million pairs of shoes containing recycled plastic. Their commitment to incorporating recycled materials into their footwear demonstrates their recognition of the value that consumers place on environmental responsibility.

With an increasing awareness of the impact of plastic pollution on our oceans, brands are responding to the demand for more sustainable and eco-conscious products. By choosing to buy sneakers made from recycled plastic, you're not just making a fashion choice but also a step towards reducing your environmental footprint.

Frequently asked questions

There are a variety of brands that sell clothing made from recycled plastic, including Everlane, Girlfriend Collective, H&M, Adidas, Rothy's, and Patagonia.

Recycled polyester and nylon are commonly used in clothing. These materials are made from recycled plastic bottles and fishing nets, which reduces the need for petroleum and prevents further pollution.

While clothing made from recycled plastic can help reduce pollution and keep existing plastic out of landfills, it is important to consider the full lifecycle of these products. For example, clothing made from recycled plastic may still release microplastics into the ocean when washed, and the recycling process may not completely eliminate the presence of toxic chemicals. Additionally, the use of recycled materials should not be used to encourage consumers to buy more or to throw away clothing sooner.

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