Main recycled materials
- Recycled polyester (rPET) — most commonly made from post-consumer PET bottles, increasingly from textile waste. Performs much like virgin polyester for activewear, fleece and outerwear.
- Recycled cotton — from pre-consumer cutting waste or post-consumer garments. Mechanical recycling shortens fibres, so it is usually blended with virgin cotton or polyester for strength.
- Recycled nylon — from industrial waste or post-consumer sources such as fishing nets and carpets. Used in swimwear, seamless knits and technical shells.
What to expect in performance
Recycled synthetics are chemically the same polymer as virgin ones, so the difference is mainly in yarn consistency and available colors. Recycled cotton blends can feel slightly different and may show more variation between lots.
- Test pilling, shrinkage and colorfastness just as you would for any fabric.
- Approve lab dips per lot — color matching can be less predictable, especially with mechanically recycled fibres.
- Consider microfibre shedding for fleece and brushed fabrics; tighter constructions and finishing can help.
Certifications to ask for
| Standard | What it covers |
|---|---|
| GRS | Global Recycled Standard — verifies recycled content and chain of custody, plus social, environmental and chemical requirements. |
| RCS | Recycled Claim Standard — verifies recycled content and chain of custody only. |
| TC | Transaction Certificate — issued per shipment under GRS/RCS to show that specific goods carry the certified content. |
| OEKO-TEX® 100 | Tests for harmful substances. Useful, but it says nothing about recycled content. |
A supplier’s scope certificate shows they can sell certified material; the transaction certificate shows your goods actually are. Ask for both, and check them in the certification body’s public database.
Making claims responsibly
Regulators in many markets are tightening rules on environmental marketing claims. Be specific (“made with 60% recycled polyester”) rather than vague (“eco-friendly”), keep the certificates that support each claim, and make sure the percentage on the label matches the documents.
We can collect supplier certificates for each fabric lot. (Placeholder — only claim certifications you or your mills actually hold.)
Quick checklist
- Decide which material and recycled percentage you want to claim.
- Ask the mill for its scope certificate and confirm it is valid.
- Require a transaction certificate for your shipment.
- Run the same physical tests as for conventional fabrics.
- Match label wording to what the documents prove.
Exploring recycled fabrics?
Tell us the product and target claim — we’ll shortlist fabrics and the documents behind them.
Request recycled swatches
