The fact that Gucci has limited the number of its annual collections from 5 to 2, or that many low-cost brands are joining to launch clothing campaigns with organic and recycled materials, is no coincidence.
In recent years, the use of recycled materials as raw materials to manufacture sustainable clothing and accessories has been growing steadily. Thanks to technology, new techniques have been developed to give a new purpose to all these single-use materials such as plastic. However, there is one important fact to know: only 9% of plastic is recycled, whether or not you separate it from the rest of the garbage.
This means that all the advances in the recycling industry is commendable but it is not the most viable solution. Reducing the use of single-use products would have a greater impact than recycling. Furthermore, the use of raw materials which do not need so many polluting chemical processes is an option that together with reuse would accelerate the reduction of waste generated daily on the planet.
Here are the top 8 companies in the apparel industry that are committed to zero waste:
1. Looptworks
A B Corporation brand, Looptworks is a Portland, Oregon-based company that repurposes and recycles abandoned, pre-consumer and post-consumer materials into limited edition products.
They are a design brand with a mission: to use only what already exists. All of the materials they use to create their products are surplus from the industry. All of its sustainable and eco-friendly products are made in limited editions. It manufactures t-shirts, purses, wallets, briefcases, various accessories among others.
2. Been London
London-based brand Been London sources materials destined for the landfill and turn them into timeless, classic designs.
Discarded leather trims are reborn as premium bags. Landfill-bound plastics are reclaimed as silky linings and zippers. Pineapple leaves and apple peels are transformed into vegan leather, and every material they use is certified by a trusted global organization.
Its designs are all about functionality and durability. This means they don't follow trends and instead create timeless looks that work in all seasons, for all times. Their approach to design is zero waste, and can be seen in its designs that consist of only square and rectangular panels, which produces virtually no waste. Its dyes are also Bluesign certified.
3. Ecoalf
As a brand officially certified by the Global Recycled Standard, Ecoalf’s goal since 2009 is to reduce the consumption of natural resources, so it decided to use recycled materials, such as nylon, polyester, wool and recycled cotton, reducing water consumption and CO2 emissions.
The Global Recycled Standard guarantees that all the fabrics we use come from recycled sources. The standard applies to the entire supply chain and reviews traceability, environmental principles, social requirements, chemical content and labeling. In this way Ecoalf educates consumers and enables them make better choices.
4. Seljak Brand
Seljak Brand was launched in March 2016 by two sisters to create recycled wool blankets. They work in collaboration with Australia's oldest mill and a 92-year-old weaving mill in Lithuania to weave recycled wool blankets that are closed-loop.
The blankets are made from a minimum of 70% recycled merino or lambswool and a 30% blend of other fibers (mohair, cotton and alpaca) and polyester for strength. After a blanket has enjoyed a long and adventurous life, it is picked up free of charge by a carbon neutral courier service. Back at the factory, they shred it and turn it into new yarn to make future blankets. This circular model allows them to divert waste from landfill and create luxurious and useful blankets.
5. Tonlé
Pioneers in zero-waste fashion, Tonlé describes itself as a 'maker-led community' that values inclusivity, honesty and reciprocity.
It uses a sustainable zero-waste process to make their clothes, using recycled materials from other makers. Tonlé's offerings range from dresses and jumpsuits to outerwear and accessories.
The design team scours remnant markets in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, for textile waste before consumption. The designers then work together to create designs from the larger pieces of reclaimed fabric. They then sew small scraps of fabric into yarn, which is hand-woven and knitted into new pieces - creating the iconic twice-recycled fabric pieces.
6. Sunski
Sunski invented a way to turn plastic waste into recycled frames. They use resin destined to go to landfills and transform it into sunglasses.
These glasses strike a balance between good design and sustainability. Their SuperLight frames are characterized by being strong, lightweight and comfortable. In principle, they are designed to last a lifetime, but if they are damaged, the company is committed to repairing them.
7. Armedangels
Armedangels is committed to making its supply chain as circular as possible and eliminating waste in the manufacturing process. The goal is to inspire other like-minded fashion brands and make them aware that thinking in cycles can benefit both their businesses and nature.
The brand only uses materials such as organic cotton, organic linen, organic wool, recycled cotton, Lenzing Ecovero™ and Tencel™ Lyocell, which are sustainable and regenerative. To prove their commitment to this cause, they have been GOTS certified since 2011.
With the launch of the closed-loop pilot project and the circular economy. ID the fair fashion label has created a completely new circular system. By means of a ID -chip, which is sewn into the garment, the pieces can later be quickly and precisely fed into the correct cycle. By scanning the ID, garment sorters can accurately identify the material composition, value and condition and sort the garments into the appropriate bin to be re-spun.
8. Christy Dawn
Christy Dawn is an American premium designer brand that offers sustainable and luxurious clothing designed to last and made from organic fabrics and other eco-friendly materials.
Christy Dawn creates boho-chic, ethical and timeless dresses exclusively from upcycled fabrics, and the designer aims to create simple, easy-to-wear garments that you'll cherish for a lifetime. The clothes are designed to keep you comfortable while preserving the integrity and beauty of the earth and its people.
All pieces are made in a downtown factory in LA from sustainable materials. All employees, including sought-after seamstresses, receive living wages, health benefits and paid holiday. Christy Dawn takes great pride in its environmental and social pressures. The brand values the planet and people more than profit.