By Lora O’Brien

The fashion world has been slowly evolving over the years as we move away from fast fashion and opt for more sustainable. Sustainability and being eco-conscious are playing an essential role in how many of us live.

As we move away from fast fashion, many new sustainable textile innovations have been created, providing designers and fashion designers with the ability to use upcycled or recycled textiles in their creations. While both practices aim to reduce waste and promote sustainability, upcycling is increasingly being recognized as the superior approach in the world of sustainable textile innovations.

From upcycling, which is the process of taking textiles that already exist and creating something new from them, or recycling, which takes existing textiles and creates a new textile to make clothing from.  Here in this article, we will discuss the importance of each and see where and how they are useful in the world of fashion.

But what is the difference between upcycling clothing and recycling? Let’s take a look below.

New sustainable textile innovations

WHAT IS UPCYCLING?

Upcycling gives life to used items in a new and exciting way. Unlike when we recycle clothing and they’re broken down into raw materials, upcycling transforms existing garments and turns them into new pieces without needing to alter their original form without the need to invest new energy. The end result gives the upcycled material a high quality which is used by brands such as Remeant, who take unwanted plastic waste, transforming them into the colourful textile collection they have available.

This means that the history and character of the textile is preserved, while also being given a second lease of life. Upcycling not only reduces textile waste, but it also allows the designers using upcycled textiles to create new designs from existing pieces to lead in the world of sustainable textile innovations.

Lockdown changed the way many brands viewed their sustainability, and many luxury brands now implement more eco-conscious ways of creating fashion while being mindful of the planet. Prada launched a Re-Nylon collection while Upcycled Miu-Miu encompasses fashion from the 30s through to the 80s. Since 2010, Hermès has been giving life to leftover, unwanted and forgotten materials via their Petit h workshop.

These brands have a huge influence in the fashion world, so them implementing upcycled textiles will have a beneficial impact on the way other designers think, create and design their collections.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS OF UPCYCLING?

The first step is to source the clothing. Designers will choose from abandoned clothing, choosing items that have potential. The important factor when upcycling is to preserve as much of the quality and design of the original textile, so using items which will drastically need to be changed is not really the ethos of upcycling.

The next step is where the creativity happens. Clothes are transformed methods such as sewing, cutting and embroidery to turn the upcycled textile into a new garment or accessory. The end result is a unique piece that is truly one-of-a-kind.

It may appear easy, but upcycling relies greatly on creativity. It relies a lot on the skills and vision that a designer has.

EXAMPLES OF UPCYCLING

There are many creative and resourceful ways to upcycle. The process turns discarded items into something new while also keeping the item in a closed loop process. Some ways to upcycle are:

Mending what is broken: Before tossing items away, consider how you can mend them. If a shirt or a skirt is broken, you could use the textile to make an entirely new item. If an item has a hole, why not use scraps of textiles to make a cute patch?

Turning jeans into an accessory: Denim jeans are highly durable, so they make the perfect textile for a backpack. Repurposing denim into a backpack reduces the jeans from ending up as waste in landfill, while providing a new lease of life in a stylish way.

Turning textiles into homewares: Upcycling can be used to make homeware as well as fashion. The best use of textiles is to transform them into an eco-friendly plant holder. Take the textile and weave the strips to create a plant hanger giving a trendy overall to your clothing and home.

WHAT IS RECYCLING?

Recycling clothing involves taking used textiles and breaking them down into fibres which are then used to make brand new products. This process minimises the volume that goes to landfill, and because the textiles already exist, we’re not creating brand new virgin textiles to produce the whole product. For example, recycling plastic bottles into polyester fabric involves a process of melting and re-spinning the plastic. This process, although beneficial in reducing landfill waste, can sometimes be energy-intensive and result in the loss of material quality.

Many brands are using recycled textiles for their clothing. Popular brand Rothy’s uses recycled material to make lightweight and comfortable shoes. Carve uses recycled nylon to make its soft sweaters. Girlfriend Collective makes leggings. Each pair of leggings uses 25 plastic bottles alongside recycled polyester.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS OF RECYCLING?

The process starts with collecting used clothing. They’re then sorted by textile type, such as polyester or cotton, so that they’re

The clothing is broken down to create textile fibres which can then be used to manufacture new clothing and accessories. The recycled fibres can be mixed with virgin or other recycled fibres.

By using recycled textiles we’re reducing the demand for new raw materials to be made, which, when you consider how big the fashion industry is, reduces the pressure our environment faces to keep up with the demand.

EXAMPLES OF RECYCLING

There are many ways to recycle in a creative way. Some of the most popular ways are:

Transforming discarded or damaged clothing: When it comes to recycling in the fashion world it includes the process of transforming what has already been either discarded or damages. The textiles can be repurposed in many versatile ways from fashion to home accessories.

Use deadstock fabrics to make new products: One popular and eco-conscious way to utilize recycling is through the use of deadstock fabrics, which is surplus textiles that would otherwise go to waste. The deadstock textiles can be used to make unique items.

Use deadstock fabrics to make new products: Whether it’s recycled fishing nets or hose pipes from old fire trucks, brands are finding creative ways to repurpose recycled items that would otherwise go to landfill. It provides a solution to discarded materials in our oceans and landfills, while offering consumers fun and stylish ways to repurpose those items.

UPCYCLING VS. RECYCLING – WHAT’S BETTER FOR THE PLANET?

Both upcycling and recycling bring valuable solutions to pressing environmental issues, each helping reduce waste while supporting the demand for sustainable design.

Innovative brands like Remeant are shaping a brighter future by repurposing plastic waste. Their approach skips energy-intensive processes like shredding or color separation, instead transforming discarded plastic directly into unique textiles for fashion—embodying the essence of upcycling.

Want to learn more about Remeant’s sustainable textiles and see the diverse range of colours and textures available? click here. Alternatively, if you’d like to consult with us further, contact us here or send us an email to – info.remeant@gmail.com.