The following blog post is a message from XWASTED CEO, Andy Edwards.
XWASTED has always prided itself on providing clothing made from recycled materials. Most of our clothing composition is 40% recycled polyester produced from post-consumer plastic.
By repurposing plastic waste, recycled polyester reduces the demand for virgin polyester production and minimises the environmental footprint associated with the extraction of raw materials. It's a step in the right direction to combat plastic pollution.
As we strive for a greener future, we must constantly challenge and explore the merits of our materials. Here are a few areas which we have been mindful of:
- Recycled polyester still relies on the initial production of non-renewable resources, perpetuating the resource depletion cycle.
- Recycling polyester can be energy-intensive and involve chemicals that can harm human health and the environment. As we aim for greater sustainability, we must seek alternatives that offer a more holistic approach.
- A lack of infrastructure within the textile industry to separate polymer compositions could prevent clothing from being recycled. We're passionate about avoiding this; it's reflected in our name, which refers to eliminating waste.
- One of the drawbacks of recycled polyester is that, during the washing process, microscopic plastic fibres called microplastics can be released into our water systems. Unfortunately, conventional wastewater treatment plants are not well equipped to capture these particles, which eventually end up in rivers, lakes, and oceans, posing a threat to marine life and ecosystems.
While recognising the positives of recycled polyester, we are committing to moving towards organic fabrics, which aligns with our dedication to minimising environmental impact, promoting biodiversity, and nurturing a circular fashion economy. We're seizing the opportunity to provide fashion choices that reflect our values and contribute to a brighter, greener world.
As we transition towards exclusively organic compositions within upcoming product lines, we'll release details of new campaigns to continue our commitment to reducing plastic waste.
If you're interested in the difference between organic and conventional cotton production, read our blog on why organic cotton is better.