It’s huge step to reduce the fashion industry’s carbon footprint.
Around 25% of waste created by the fashion sector – added to the plastics industry waste – is one of the biggest sources of pollution to our environment across the world. Whilst plastic is non-biodegradable and causes much damage to our immediate environment and the natural world including our beaches and ocean life, there is a glimmer of positivity for fashion outcomes if done correctly.
How we can make wearable clothing from plastic waste
There’s a lot of pressure on ethical fashion companies to reduce the effects of fast fashion and drastically reduce their use of plastics in packaging and distribution; and here’s a quick run-down on how they do it:
- The first step is collecting plastic from landfill sites, recycling centres, beaches, forests and oceans and tapping into the recycling efforts of bigger cities. Once all of the plastic products are collected, they can be sent away for processing.
- Once the plastics arrive for processing, they are separated and any labelling removed. It then goes into a chopping machine that turns the big plastic items like water bottles etc., into tiny chips.
- Once the processing and chopping is finished the newly formed plastic chips go into a melting machine at around 250 degrees. The melted plastic is then filtered for impurities before it can be spun into a yarn.
- Once purified, the next stage is spinning, where it is turned into polyester yarn which can then be mixed with another type of yarn and passed on to be weaved.
- This final step sees the yarn being woven into fabric that can then be cut and fashioned into new clothing garments, largely made from recycled plastic products.
Another way you can help keep textiles out of landfill is getting your school on board to take part in our recycling challenge! Get involved with Kids Fill The Bag!
Our aim is to raise awareness about how we can better look after our planet and keep waste out of landfill and support schools in teaching our future generations about the importance of the three R’s – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
All you have to do is collect 40 bin bags full of pre-loved clothes, paired/tied shoes and household textiles like towels, curtains and bed linen, and your school could earn £500 per tonne! We will pay you 50p per kilo for your reusable donations. We will accept out-grown and unwanted garments, unclaimed lost property items, or clothing cleared out from your wardrobes and cupboards at home. But remember, they have to be in a condition that is reusable!
If your school would like to start a ‘Kids Fill The Bag’ challenge and begin to raise funds through vital textiles recycling, contact one of our team today. We even have downloadable resources for you to promote your fundraising mission on our website.
Contact one of our team today to find out more!
Blog written by www.wendyjenningscreative.co.uk