Upcycled Cotton
What is Upcycled Cotton?
Upcycled cotton, also known as recycled cotton, is produced by breaking down pre-consumer textile waste (factory scraps and cutting room leftovers) or post-consumer waste (used clothing and textiles) into fibers that are re-spun into new yarn. The material maintains cotton's natural properties and biodegradability while significantly reducing the environmental impact of textile production, making it an increasingly popular choice for eco-conscious brands.
For plastic-free living, upcycled cotton offers an important sustainability advantage over virgin cotton while maintaining the same microplastic-free benefits.
Common Uses for Upcycled Cotton
Apparel: T-shirts, hoodies, sweatpants, jeans, casual wear
Home Textiles: Rugs, blankets, cleaning cloths, upholstery
Accessories: Tote bags, canvas shoes, backpacks
Industrial: Insulation, furniture padding, stuffing material
Is Upcycled Cotton Safe? Health & Safety Recommendations
Microplastic Concerns: Pure upcycled cotton does not shed microplastics, as it retains the biodegradable properties of virgin cotton. However, it's critical to verify that recycled cotton products aren't blended with synthetic fibers like polyester or spandex.
Chemical Safety: Upcycled cotton's chemical safety depends on its source material. Post-consumer recycled cotton may retain traces of dyes, finishes, or treatments from the original garments.
Certifications to Look For: GRS (Global Recycled Standard) verifies recycled content and tracks the supply chain. OEKO-TEX Standard 100 ensures the final fabric is free from harmful substances.
Recommendations: Choose recycled cotton for casual wear, home textiles, and accessories where its slightly lower durability won't be an issue.
Frequently Asked Questions About Upcycled Cotton
Is upcycled cotton plastic-free?
Yes, pure upcycled cotton is plastic-free. It's mechanically recycled from existing cotton textiles and retains cotton's natural cellulose composition. However, many "recycled cotton" products are blended with polyester or other synthetics, which are not plastic-free.
Does upcycled cotton shed microplastics?
No, pure upcycled cotton does not shed microplastics. As long as the recycled cotton is not blended with synthetic fibers (common for strength), no synthetic fibers will be shed.
Is upcycled cotton biodegradable?
Yes, upcycled cotton is biodegradable, decomposing in 1-5 months like virgin cotton.
Why is recycled cotton often blended with other fibers?
The mechanical recycling process breaks cotton fibers into shorter lengths, reducing their strength compared to virgin cotton. Some brands blend recycled cotton with 10-30% virgin cotton or other fibers compensates for this weakness, which can unfortunately reintroduce microplastic concerns.