RECYCLED COTTON

As textile recycling technology becomes more readily available, we are excited to introduce the use of recycled cotton as a more sustainable alternative. Using recycled fibres as a collective is a crucial step towards a circular economy. Allowing us to reduce our reliance on new materials while diverting textile waste from landfill.

It takes about 173 gallons of water to produce one pound of conventional cotton. By using recycled cotton, we save water and reduce CO2 emissions by 80% compared to conventional cotton.

Recycled cotton is repurposed from either pre - or post - consumer cotton waste that would otherwise go to landfill. It allows us to have that soft cotton feel without the environmental impact that comes from virgin cotton.

Recycled cotton can be from either pre-consumer which includes scraps from the manufacturing process or post consumer which includes garments or textile waste collected by take-back or donation programs. The process involves sorting the fabrics into type which are is then run through a machine that shreds the fabric into yarn and further into raw fibre. This process of shredding puts a lot of strain on the fibre which means the quality of recycled fibres often do not compare to that of the original fibre, end-use applications are also more limited as fibre length is reduced.

For this reason, recycled fibres are often blended with new fibres to increase the strength and durability of the recycled fibre. For these reasons, design and development using recycled fibres takes time and consideration, working closely with supplier to trace origins and ensure product longevity and durability.

Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certification covers the recycled element of a fabric or yarn, validating its compliance to international standards of textile recycling. This is an essential element of using recycled fibres, maintaining accountability and transparency is key and an ongoing commitment for Zulu & Zephyr.