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ΕλληνικάRegenerated fibres
Regenerated fibres are produced using raw material obtained from textile waste, pre-consumer (waste coming from the production process) or post-consumer (end of life textiles and garments).
The benefits of using regenerated fibres include the reduction of natural resources consumption, pollution, water, and energy consumption.
In the case of both cotton and wool, the waste used is first sorted and separated by fibre type, colour and weight; all accessories such as zips and buttons that cannot enter the regeneration process are also removed. Once homogeneous bales have been created, they are washed, shredded into very small pieces, carbonized (if cellulose fibres are to be removed) and then spun. The mechanical method is the most widespread, alternatively, for example in cases where the materials are composed of fibre blends, and therefore difficult to regenerate, chemical recycling could be used.
Regeneration of textile fibres is possible when garments are made of 100 % or nearly 100% of a certain material, whether virgin or regenerated. To give you an idea, a virgin cashmere fibre can be regenerated up to about 5 times, while denim cotton up to 3 times. Choosing cotton or wool garments that do not have a high percentage of synthetics means that you can give your clothes a new lease of life.
As we will see better later, the certifications attesting that a material is recycled are GRS Global Recycle Standard and RCS Recycled Claim Standard.
Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/pouTfHUG430
Regenerated wool
The regeneration of wool started in Prato, Italy, at the end of 19th century. Here, around 22 tons of regenerated wool are produced every year.
Wool regeneration is much more sustainable than traditional one because it cuts drastically the usage of row material, first regarding the wool: some virgin fibres are often used as a blend to give strength to the regenerated one but in a very little percentage. This process allows also not to dye or over-dye the fibres, providing significant savings in terms of water and chemicals used.
Rifò is a brand from Prato that produces clothing with regenerated materials. It was born in 2017, with the idea of revisiting the tradition of this historic district. To find out more, read the case studies at the end of the sub-chapter.
Regenerated wool, Source: Lottozero