RECYCLABLE VS BIODEGRADABLE: HOW NEW INNOVATIVE TEXTILES ARE TRYING TO COMBAT MICROPLASTIC CREATION
by: Hillary LeBlanc
Plastic pollution has become one of the most concerning environmental issues, it fills our dumps, homes and oceans. Twelve million tonnes of plastic end up in the ocean annually and only 9% of plastics are recycled. There are a number of industries coming forward to tackle this issue first hand to help the planet, preserve waters and find innovative ways to recycle plastics and fashion is a big one. However, even recycling plastics and turning them into textiles has consequences.
Microplastics shed from plastic, which still causes harm to oceans and humans who accidentally consume them. Microplastics will fall off of garments made from recycled plastic and also contribute to plastic pollution in the ocean. 92% of plastic on the ocean’s surface is microplastic. Is there a superior choice?
The concept of creating textiles and garments from recycled plastics is not new; the process involves bottles being cleaned, shredded into small pieces that are then melted together and turned into yarn. The yarn is then spun into fabric which, becomes a garment.
Ahead of the race to implement ‘sustainability’ into their business model, Patagonia has been making recycled fabrics for their outerwear since 1993. Other brands such as EverLane have followed in their footsteps by creating their first outerwear collection using 3 million plastic bottles. Another notable brand, Veja creates ‘B-Mesh’ bottle recycled footwear and sneakers.
Understanding the evolution, science and environmental impact of textiles and fabrics has really become a foundation for many fashion brands. Consumers often don’t fully understand the process or impact but appreciate that their purchase is in some way better for the environment. This has pushed many brands to find alternative ways to help the planet and also prevent microplastic creation.
Biodegradable textiles are also being selectively used by designers mainly because some biodegradable fabrics are long standing. Organic cotton, for instance, can degrade in a few months. Silk can biodegrade in four years. Linen and Ramie are also biodegradable. In new discoveries, algae, hemp, bamboo and lyocell can biodegrade and are better for the planet.
Definite Articles is a B Corp Certified brand that creates biodegradable socks to prevent this type of continued pollution. The brand uses CiCLO Recycled Cotton and Nylon sourced by a local supply chain. Ettitude uses CleanBamboo fabric for their bedding and reduces water use.
Innovative leathers are also being created and are also 100% biodegradable. These leathers are a product of mushrooms, prickly-pear cactus , apple skin, coconut and cork.
A great way to combat microplastics isn’t to give up buying recycled garments and only buy biodegradable ones. Often laundry machines can now be purchased with additional filtration but this only helps a small portion of the issue. Trying to avoid synthetic materials in clothing would be ideal. Using natural fibres or biodegradable textiles would be the safest bet to avoid new synthetic purchases, more synthetic materials being made and added to the waste production.
More importantly, as we continue to have conversations around textile creation, it is more important to hold the industry accountable and put less ownership on the consumer.