In the textile world, waste is not uncommon. Every roll of fabric produces its share of scraps—up to 25%—that often end up in the trash in garment factories. Yet, there is an alternative: recycled cotton.
Recycling cotton reduces waste while decreasing the environmental impact of the textile industry. Since it’s possible to avoid using thousands of liters of water for a single garment, why not take advantage of it?
What is recycled cotton?
Definition and origin of recycled cotton
Recycled cotton starts with unused fabric scraps, cut and set aside in garment factories. In the industry, these are called “pre-consumer waste.” Instead of leaving them to gather dust—or sending them to landfills—they are collected, mechanically shredded, and transformed into new fibers. It’s a well-oiled cycle that gives value to what the textile industry once considered hopelessly lost.
The difference between recycled and virgin cotton
The problem with virgin cotton is that it’s incredibly resource-intensive. To produce 80g of fabric (roughly the weight of a pair of briefs), it takes between 300 and 450 liters of water—not to mention the farmland it requires.
Recycled cotton, on the other hand, uses no cultivation or irrigation. It relies entirely on existing materials, without drawing from new resources. Think of it like cooking with leftovers—applied to the textile industry.
The cotton recycling process
The transformation steps
- Collecting scraps: Garment factories set aside fabric leftovers to be collected for recycling.
- Mechanical shredding: The scraps are reduced to fibers through a chemical-free process.
- Spinning and creating new threads: The new fibers are spun into threads, which are then woven into new fabric.
This 100% mechanical process minimizes pollution at every stage.
The technical challenges of cotton recycling
Let’s be honest—recycled cotton has its limitations. The fibers it produces are often shorter than those of virgin cotton, making them less durable. To compensate, manufacturers sometimes mix in a small amount of virgin cotton. The result? A more robust fabric without sacrificing the ecological benefits. It’s proof that a good compromise often beats unattainable perfection.
The ecological benefits of recycled cotton
Significant resource savings
Choosing recycled cotton saves resources where it matters most:
- Water savings: Up to 450 liters of water saved per garment.
- Reduced CO2 emissions: 1 kg of recycled cotton saves 6.6 kg of CO2—a reduction of 82% compared to virgin cotton.
Less water, fewer greenhouse gases: on a large scale, the impact is substantial.
A solution for reducing textile waste
The textile industry generates tons of waste every year. Instead of ending up in landfills or being incinerated, these scraps can be repurposed. Recycled cotton breathes new life into these materials, reducing:
- The amount of textiles sent to landfills,
- The need for virgin raw materials.
It’s as if every pair of briefs made from recycled cotton helps unclog the planet.
Why choose underwear made from recycled cotton?
Comfort and softness
Recycled doesn’t mean uncomfortable. Thanks to its short fibers, recycled cotton has a peach-like softness that feels great against the skin. In short, recycled cotton underwear offers:
- Natural softness,
- A lightweight, breathable fabric perfect for everyday wear.
You can be eco-friendly and comfortable at the same time.
An ethical and sustainable choice
One simple way to help the planet is to choose underwear made from recycled cotton. No overexploited farmland, no wasted water—just fabric made from what already exists.
This choice supports a fashion industry that doesn’t just produce for the sake of it but considers the impact of every step. It’s an ethical, simple, and easy habit to adopt. After all, if you can be responsible and comfortable in your briefs, why not?
