Recycled fabric is a type of fabric that is made from materials that have been used before and would otherwise end up in landfills or incinerators. Recycling fabric can reduce the environmental impact of textile production and consumption, as well as save resources and energy. Recycled fabric can be classified into two categories: pre-consumer and post-consumer.
Pre-consumer recycled fabric is made from the scraps and leftovers of the textile industry, such as cutting waste, yarn waste, and fabric remnants. These materials are collected, sorted, cleaned, and processed into new fabric without going through the dyeing and finishing stages. Pre-consumer recycled fabric can retain the original quality and color of the source materials, and can reduce the amount of waste generated by the textile industry.
Post-consumer recycled fabric is made from the discarded clothing and textiles of consumers, such as old clothes, curtains, bedding, and carpets. These materials are collected, sorted, cleaned, and processed into new fabric by shredding, spinning, weaving, or knitting. Post-consumer recycled fabric can divert the waste from landfills and incinerators, and can create new products with different characteristics and aesthetics.