Every year, tonnes of clothing end up being thrown away. T-shirts that are nearly new, jeans that still had life in them, or coats that could have been worn for many more winters. What should be about creativity and style has turned into one of the most polluting industries on the planet.
The good news is that there’s another way: by taking advantage of what’s already there. That’s textile recycling. At Ecoalf, we are in no doubt about this: dressing well shouldn’t come at the expense of the planet’s health. That’s why, from the very beginning, we decided to give a second life to materials that others had discarded.
What is textile recycling?
It’s actually quite simple: recovering fabrics, fibres, or used clothing and transforming them into something new. This means we can prevent them from being thrown away and keep them in circulation.
To give you an idea, a single t-shirt made from recycled cotton can save up to 90% in water consumption compared to one made from conventional cotton. It may seem like a minor detail, but when multiplied by millions of garments, it makes an enormous difference.
And then there’s upcycling, which goes a step further. Here, it isn’t just about recycling fibres, but directly transforming one garment into another totally different piece. It’s another way to show that fashion can be circular and, moreover, very creative.
Why is textile recycling so important for the planet?
Because we’re not just talking about fashion. We’re talking about water, energy, emissions, and waste. We’re talking about reducing the mountain of clothing that grows each year on the planet.
Each recycled garment is, in fact, an act of rebellion against fast fashion. And a very concrete way to build a more responsible industry.
Types of textile recycling
Mechanical: the most common method. Garments are shredded, and from there, new fibres are born. This is how we produce many of our t-shirts and sweatshirts made from recycled cotton.
Chemical: more recent but with huge potential. It allows for the separation of mixed fibres, like cotton and polyester, so they can be reused separately to create new sustainable materials.
Upcycling: here, materials are not broken down; they are directly transformed. It’s about pure creativity: turning an existing garment or material into another product of greater value while retaining its original structure. Each piece retains part of its history, making it unique.
How does ECOALF apply textile recycling?
For us, recycling is not just another option: it’s at the heart of what we do. We believe true luxury doesn’t come from using more resources, but from making the most of what already exists.
That’s why we turn plastic bottles and abandoned fishing nets into backpacks and trainers. We opt for recycled cotton to make t-shirts and sweatshirts that last and never go out of style. And we manufacture coats from recycled polyester that keep you warm just like any other, but with a much lower impact.
One of our most special projects is Upcycling the Oceans. With the help of fishermen, we remove rubbish from the ocean floor and transform it into new garments. It’s not just about creating circular fashion: it’s also about cleaning the oceans.
Recycled fashion you can wear now
Textile recycling is not just a theory. It’s something you can already wear in your day-to-day life.
-
A recycled coat that protects you on chilly days.
-
Trainers made from plastics rescued from the sea.
-
A soft, comfortable, and timeless sweatshirt made from recycled cotton.
Yes, these are stylish garments, but they also have a story. And when you wear them, you become part of that story.
How can I get involved in textile recycling?
You don’t have to change everything all at once. Start with simple gestures: donate what you no longer use, repair instead of throwing away, and pay attention to labels, choosing garments made from recycled materials.
Every time you choose a recycled garment, you’re not just revamping your wardrobe. You’re supporting a different model of industry. One that has more respect for the planet and people.
Ecoalf recycled fashion: dressing better for a better planet
At Ecoalf, we believe change starts in your wardrobe. Choosing textile recycling is not just following a trend; it’s making a conscious decision. Because we don’t need more garments; we need better garments.