Producing one pound of conventional cotton requires approximately 173 gallons of water. By using recycled cotton, we can save water and reduce CO2 emissions by 80% compared to conventional cotton.
Recycled cotton is derived from either pre-consumer or post-consumer cotton waste, which would otherwise end up in landfills. This innovative material allows us to enjoy the softness of cotton while minimizing the environmental impact associated with virgin cotton.
Recycled cotton can come from two sources:
Pre-consumer cotton waste, such as fabric scraps generated during the manufacturing process.
Post-consumer cotton waste, including garments or textiles collected through take-back or donation programs.
The recycling process involves sorting fabrics by type, then shredding them into yarn and, further, into raw fibres. However, this shredding process puts significant strain on the fibres, often reducing the quality and length of the recycled fibres. As a result, the applications for recycled fibres can be more limited compared to the original material.
To improve the strength and durability of recycled cotton, these fibers are frequently blended with new fibers. As a result, design and development using recycled fibers requires careful consideration and collaboration with suppliers to trace the origins of the material and ensure the longevity and durability of the final product.
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.