Differences from conventional recycling
[Conventional]
・Clothing → rags (industrial cloths)
・Clothing → insulation material
・Plastic bottles → textiles
[ T2T (Textile to Textile) ]
・Clothing → textiles → yarn → textile → clothing
・Textile waste → yarn → textile → clothing
In other words, T2T is a circular recycling approach aimed at “making clothing from clothing.”
In recent years, mainly in the EU, where sustainability efforts are strong, the promotion of a circular economy has been advancing, and attention to T2T-compatible materials is increasing in the apparel industry as well. These are sustainable products that we can confidently recommend even to brands that have an ethical theme of “wanting to use environmentally friendly materials.”
What is the closed-loop process?
Often discussed together with T2T is the
closed loop
.
A closed loop refers to
a circular system that collects products and reuses them as raw materials for the same product
.
For example, in apparel, the cycle of “clothing
→ collection → recycled fiber → yarn → textile → clothing” is repeated.
Conversely, a system in which something is recycled once and then diverted to another use is called an “open loop.”
Going forward, in addition to reducing environmental impact, development of closed-loop materials is expected to advance further from the perspective of effective resource use as well.
Recommended sustainable textiles featured on ApparelX
RE:NEWOOL
RE:NEWOOL is a recycled wool series that reuses collected wool products and leftover rolls.
By effectively utilizing resources that were conventionally discarded, it is reborn as wool material with new value.
It is ideal for sustainable proposals for autumn and winter items such as coats, jackets, and pants. The unique heathered look and texture of wool are also part of its appeal.
ApparelX ID: 1080553textile
10792501/15 RE:NEWOOL® BOA KNITThis recycled boa material is produced in Japan in an integrated process from recycled raw material to undyed base material. The polyester part also uses recycled raw materials. The final finishing process for the textile is carried out in Bishu, Aichi Prefecture, a wool-producing region. It is also kind to the environm...
Maker: TAKISADA NAGOYA / Supplier: Okura Shoji
View productA boa material made from recycled wool and recycled polyester.
Because it is a relatively lightweight boa, it is also recommended for layered boa vests and as lining for blousons. Textiles with seasonal appeal are definitely something you’ll want to incorporate into autumn and winter items.
▶The RE:NEWOOL product list is here
UNITO®
UNITO® is a series made with 100% recycled cotton.
Textile waste such as undyed fabric and thread waste generated during the production process is collected and reborn as new yarn. That recycled yarn is then used to create textiles.
While many standard recycled materials are labeled as recycled when they use 30% or more recycled raw material, UNITO® makes use of its unique production network to carefully collect only high-quality textile waste. This achieves a high recycling rate with 100% recycled yarn. It also has the slight irregularity and raw look unique to recycled cotton, giving it an appealing vintage-like and natural feel.
ApparelX ID: 1108692textile
62220//0E Vintage Moss Stitch (recycled cotton)[Using 100% recycled yarn] While recycled yarn is generally often labeled as "recycled" when about 30% or more is used, this product is committed to 100% recycled yarn. Its unique production network...
Maker: VANCET / Supplier: Okura Shoji
View productThis is a moss stitch material with a firm thickness. While it has a substantial 335 gsm weight, the uneven surface unique to moss stitch gives it a texture that should feel comfortable against the skin.
In addition to standard polo shirt uses, its moderate firmness and substantial knitted texture make it less see-through, so it is also recommended for casual wear that can be worn on its own, such as polo dresses.
▶The UNITO® product list is here
F EARTH®
F EARTH® is a series of sustainable materials by Fujisaki Textile, spun by blending GRS-certified recycled cotton (Recover), made from collected and crushed textile waste, with OCS-certified organic cotton.
With an emphasis on reducing environmental impact, it aims to create eco-friendly products while preserving the feel of natural materials.
Its natural texture makes it suitable for a wide range of uses, from casual to lifestyle applications.
ApparelX ID: 1092363textile
FJ94000026/- F.EARTH jersey“F EARTH” is a sustainable material spun from a blend of GRS-certified recycled cotton (Recover), made by collecting and crushing textile waste, and OCS-certified organic cotton. *For order by the roll...
Maker: Fujisaki Textile / Supplier: Okura Shoji
View productIt has a slightly heavier weight and is not very sheer, making it easy to use as a single-layer garment. It has a soft feel with just the right amount of firmness, so it seems suitable for a wide range of everyday wear.
It also comes in several colors and pairs well with a vintage style, so it is recommended for color-block ringer T-shirts and raglan T-shirts as well.
▶Other F EARTH® product listings are here
Extra feature: textiles using the closed-loop process
SEACELL®
SEACELL® is a sustainable regenerated fiber made from seaweed, developed by the German company Smartfiber.
It is made from seaweed grown in Icelandic fjords and cellulose, and is attracting attention as an environmentally friendly material that makes use of renewable natural resources.
Its manufacturing process uses a closed-loop method that collects and reuses the chemicals used. By producing while circulating resources, it reduces waste and environmental impact.
Traceability from raw material sourcing to production is also ensured.
Furthermore, SEACELL® is a 100% biodegradable and compostable naturally derived material, designed with consideration for the natural environment even after use.
ApparelX ID: 1104583textile
SEA001シーセル 天竺 SEACELL®️SEACELL® is a jersey fabric knitted from sustainable regenerated fiber made from seaweed, developed by the German company Smartfiber. It is ideal for items that come into direct contact with the skin, such as innerwear, T-shirts, and baby clothes...
Maker: Okura Shoji
View productSEA001, an original ApparelX product, is a jersey fabric blended with SEACELL® and organic cotton.
It offers a smooth, gentle feel and comfortable wear, making it ideal for items that come into direct contact with the skin, such as T-shirts, innerwear, and babywear. It is an eco-friendly, people-friendly sustainable material that achieves circular manufacturing through the use of renewable resources and a closed-loop process.
Summary
T2T (Textile to Textile) is the concept of circular recycling that reuses used clothing and textile waste as textiles again.
Going forward, as the world including the EU increasingly demands circular economy responses, the importance of choosing easily recyclable materials and environmentally friendly materials will likely continue to grow.
At ApparelX, we carry many textiles, trims, and auxiliary materials that are useful for sustainable manufacturing, including the SEACELL®, RE:NEWOOL®, and F EARTH® introduced here.
We would be happy if you would first consider incorporating sustainable elements starting with material selection, for the future of the apparel industry.
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