Six key recycled material companies to monitor in the current year

In the ever-evolving world of fashion, sustainability is no longer a buzzword but a necessity. Brands are rapidly adapting to this shift, incorporating lower-impact products into their short- and long-term sustainability goals.

Tariff policies are changing at a rapid pace, and this shift is reflected in the fashion industry. A prime example is the opening of a recycled cotton fiber facility in Central America, a joint venture between Recover and Intradeco. This facility marks a significant step towards a more sustainable fashion industry.

H&M and Tapestry are leading the charge, having signed long-term partnerships with alternative materials producers. H&M expands its partnership with Samsara Eco to source more recycled nylon and polyester, while Tapestry increases its investment in Gen Phoenix, a recycled leather maker.

Lululemon is also jumping on the bandwagon, aiming to make more products with "preferred materials" by 2030. The activewear giant has expanded its partnership with Samsara Eco to source more recycled materials.

Other brands are not far behind. Mango has partnered with Circulose for recycled fiber, and Tapestry participates in Gen Phoenix's $15 million funding round.

The shift towards sustainable materials is not limited to major brands. Companies like Sonoco have partnered with recycling material manufacturers such as Vetain to enhance the use of renewable materials in their product lines. Vetain notably switched to cardboard bottoms for their GreenCan® to ensure full recyclability and engages in sustainability initiatives including tree planting and plastic waste reduction.

BASF, a chemical giant, collaborates with partners like Cleanfarms and McKenzie/Snyder to develop sustainable packaging solutions using recycled content. Adler Lacke also works with suppliers of recycled plastics, using 35% recycled plastic in their Green Layer IBC containers, emphasizing circular economy principles and collaboration along the supply chain to increase biobased and recycled content usage.

Brands are not only focusing on recycled materials but also on diversifying their products to stand out in the market. Some brands are implementing lower impact materials into their product lines, sometimes in the form of capsule collections.

The deal between Reju and Rematrix aims to help fashion companies navigate extended producer responsibility regulations. This partnership aims to ensure a steady supply of post-consumer waste material for fashion companies, making it easier for them to meet their sustainability goals.

Consumer sentiment is shifting quickly, and brands are responding. The fashion industry is moving towards a more sustainable future, one recycled fiber, one recycled leather, one recycled nylon 6,6, and one dissolving textile pulp at a time.