Every time you turn around, new recycled materials pop up—from car bumpers and egg cartons to cans and bottles. And the textile industry is no different.
Driven by looming headlines, increasing consumer demand, and the desire for a circular economy, minimizing waste via recycling and reuse is not just a trend: it’s an expectation. But it’s important to note that not all recycled materials are created equal, creating challenges and opportunities for both brands and consumers.
It’s no secret that the apparel industry is front and center when it comes to sustainability. That means labels made from recycled yarns continue to increase, as they’re widely regarded as a step in the right direction.
But recycled yarns aren’t all the same. They typically come from two primary sources: recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate) from water bottles and recycled apparel, from repurposing discarded clothing.
While both yarn options are more eco-friendly than anything net new, the distinction between them is critical to understand. Recycled PET yarns dominate the market, given their abundant supply and competitive pricing. In contrast, though, yarns sourced from recycled apparel face a more constrained supply chain, resulting in higher sourcing and production costs that translate to higher prices for consumers.
Rich Ringeisen, President of Charming Trim, shared some insight into how to choose the right yarn for your organization. When asked whether brands should just be “splitting the difference” between cost and quality, Ringeisen shared there’s more nuance necessary.
“As a brand, you need to start by clarifying where your goals are coming from. Are they science-based goals or are they corporate, political goals that will be leveraged more for marketing than actual fact?” asked Ringeisen.
“All can be valid — but with the trend of Greenwashing lawsuits, and the follow-up correction of ‘green hushing,’ where brands delay or ignore eco claims out of fears of backlash, should be taken into consideration.”
The pricing disparities above underscore the realities and considerations that exist when brands embrace more sustainable practices. And that’s precisely why we typically see more premium brands embrace recycled apparel yarns: they can command higher price points and pass them on to customers. But for those who embrace sustainability at the core of their messaging—this is a decision worth weighing.
There’s still good news for apparel manufacturers who don’t have deep pockets for sustainability initiatives: recycled PET is still an environmentally responsible option. The good news is Charming offers both recycled PET and recycled apparel materials, so if you decide you want an upgrade, you don’t have to go far.
As the industry continues to evolve, determining your materials strategy will only grow more critical. But you can’t stop there.
Nowadays, embracing innovations in recycling technologies, improving supply chain efficiencies, and educating your employees and consumers on the benefits of choosing higher-quality recycled materials is the path forward to collectively driving meaningful change in the textile industry and beyond.
As brands, our choices matter for our customers and our planet. By working together to incorporate responsibly sourced materials, we can contribute to a more environmentally friendly and socially responsible world—and increase trust with consumers along the way.
Editor’s note: This content was updated on October 1, 2024.