The fashion industry is stepping up by transforming discarded PET bottles into stylish clothing. This eco-friendly trend merges environmental responsibility with cutting-edge fashion, creating a sustainable solution to reduce plastic pollution. According to Senthil Sankar, Founder, Ecoline Clothing, “Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, once destined for landfills or oceans, are finding a new purpose through recycling. With advancements in technology, PET bottles can now be processed and transformed into recycled PET, known as rPET. This recycled material serves as a sustainable alternative to traditional fabrics, reducing the industry’s reliance on virgin materials.”
“After thorough sorting and cleaning, the bottles are shredded into tiny flakes. These flakes are then melted and transformed into a polyester-like fiber. The resulting rPET fiber can be spun into yarn and woven into fabric. Through this innovative process, waste is diverted from landfills, and the lifecycle of plastic is extended, ultimately reducing its environmental impact,” states Sankar.
Recycled PET fabric offers a myriad of possibilities for fashion designers. Sankar opines, “It can be blended with other eco-friendly materials like organic cotton or used solely to create garments of exceptional quality. From trendy activewear to chic dresses and comfortable t-shirts, rPET fabrics are versatile and adaptable. Sustainable style is no longer a compromise; it’s a fashion statement that combines aesthetics with environmental responsibility.”