Choosing our materials consciously
Strengthening the recycled polyester supply chain through field visits
← From waste to resource The shredded PET flakes are then melted and extruded into tiny pellets. These pellets serve as the raw material for creating new fibres, marking a pivotal moment where discarded plastic starts to gain new value as a reusable resource.
As we stand by our promise to deliver garments that meet the highest quality, environmental and social standards, we constantly strive to deepen our understanding of our supply chain. Field trips are a key part of this process. In 2023, our Sustainability and Sourcing teams travelled to China to trace the origin of our recycled polyester back to the collected post-consumer PET bottles collection and observe all steps of their transformation until the final material. We visited collection points, spinners and factories, meeting the people who make this transformation possible.
← A new life begins The pellets are melted again and spun into fine polyester fibres through a process called melt spinning. The thickness and length of the fibres are adjusted according to the needs of the fabric being produced. At this stage, the material moves from a solid plastic form to soft, flexible fibres that can be woven into textiles.
← Starting at collection points The journey begins with the collection of PET bottles, commonly used for beverages and other consumer products. Once discarded, these bottles often end up in recycling bins or collection centres. The bottles are carefully sorted by colour and type to ensure the purity of the recycled material. ↓ A complex, multi-phase transformation Once sorted, the bottles undergo a thorough cleaning process to remove labels, adhesives and any residual contents and impurities. After cleaning, the bottles are shredded into small flakes. These flakes are the building blocks of the recycled polyester.
← The people that make it possible Turning PET bottles into garments is a collaborative effort, starting with those who gather and sort the discarded bottles at the collection points. Their efforts, along with the work of everyone involved in every step of the process – from cleaning and processing to spinning, weaving, and garment production – are crucial in transforming waste into something new and valuable.
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