For the production of a pair of jeans for example in which 50% recycled fibres are used, 25% less energy is required in the production process. Almost 50% less water is used, because there is no need to grow virgin cotton. Moreover around 40% fewer chemicals are needed, predominantly pesticides that are used in growing cotton.A positive effect on the environment, creating jobs and economic growth sounds great, but will textile recycling be something that consumers can appreciate? Leading UK based research company Ipsos Mori already concluded in 2007 that recycling is a success story with rapid shifts in parts of the country, although in their qualitative research they found that citizens question whether their recycling leads to any good or whether it is simply landfilled.
Qualitative research in the Netherlands executed by KICI Foundation shows that people do not spontaneously think about the environment or recycling in relation to second-hand textiles. Most people think that second-hand textiles are collected and donated to people in need. When people are informed about the fact that only part of the second-hand textiles can be worn again, they are positively surprised that the other part can be recycled.
Disposing of old clothes is emotional for people. We feel guilty when we throw away a garment which is still perfectly wearable. Research which KICI #
A higher public awareness around the environmental impact of the textiles industry is definitely needed. Promoting more environmentally friendly choices might lead to a positive brand preference. Whether the usage of recycled fibres will lead to a positive buying preference of consumers is still too early to say.
Disposing of old clothes is emotional for people. We feel guilty when we throw away a garment which is still perfectly wearable. Research which KICI #
The benefits for the industry as a whole are obvious. Using recycled fibres is a good alternative to the use of virgin fibres, especially when high quality sorting and recycling improves the quality and length of the recycled fibre. Moreover the prices are expected to be competitive to the prices of virgin fibres, thus creating a new supply chain in a market where demand more and more outgrows supply.
Disposing of old clothes is emotional for people. We feel guilty when we throw away a garment which is still perfectly wearable. Research which KICI #
The reaction of the industry to an alternative for the highly fluctuating prices of virgin cotton is positive. We expect fashion brands to be open for this development and have worked on a small scale with a major European denim brand on a market introduction. These first steps are ways to create awareness in the fashion industry. A story which definitely needs to be continued….
Disposing of old clothes is emotional for people. We feel guilty when we throw away a garment which is still perfectly wearable. Research which KICI #
During a conference titled ‘Closing the Loop’ which takes place in the Netherlands on November 14th and 15th, 2012, the T4T sorting machine will be demonstrated to the public and various business cases will be presented.
Disposing of old clothes is emotional for people. We feel guilty when we throw away a garment which is still perfectly wearable. Research which KICI #
Textiles4Textiles
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