What recycled materials actually mean

Recycled polyester (rPET) is typically made from post-consumer plastic bottles. The bottles are cleaned, shredded, melted, and extruded into new polyester fibers. This process uses 59% less energy than producing virgin polyester and diverts plastic from landfills.

However, recycled polyester is still polyester — it still sheds microplastics when washed, it still doesn't biodegrade, and it still has the same breathability limitations as virgin polyester. The 'recycled' label addresses the sourcing problem but not the end-of-life problem.

Recycled cotton is made from pre-consumer (factory scraps) or post-consumer (worn garments) cotton waste. The mechanical recycling process shortens fiber length, so recycled cotton is often blended with virgin cotton or synthetic fibers to maintain fabric strength.

When evaluating recycled material claims, look for Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certification, which independently verifies recycled content percentages and ensures responsible social and environmental practices throughout the supply chain.

The most sustainable approach combines recycled materials with design for longevity — garments that last longer reduce the total number of garments produced, which has a larger environmental impact than the recycled content of any single item.