Recover™ is dedicated to promoting sustainability in the fashion industry by repurposing textile waste. Their primary objective is to prevent the accumulation of textile waste in landfills. Through an innovative approach, they transform discarded materials into high-quality fibres. These recycled fibres serve as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional materials and can be utilised in the creation of various products, ranging from clothing to accessories. By adopting this method, Recover™ contributes to the conservation of natural resources in the fashion sector.
Through our take-back/wear-well scheme, we send textile waste to Recover™, where they possess the capability to transform both industrial waste and used garments into top-quality recycled fibres. This process allows for the creation of new garments, effectively closing the loop on fashion. The uniqueness of their technology lies in delivering dyed fibre with minimal use of solvents and water, establishing a truly closed-loop system with significant environmental benefits. Recover™ operates in accordance with the highest environmental and social standards, holding third-party certifications to validate their commitment.
In 2022, Recover™ successfully tested and implemented a comprehensive physical and digital tracer system for all their fibres. This system enhances their ability to verify the presence of Recover™ recycled cotton, enabling them to make credible and substantiated sustainability claims regarding recycled content. During their transformation process, Recover™ converts discarded material into sustainable recycled fibre, using minimal water and chemicals.
They source waste from three primary channels:
- Post-Industrial Waste: This comprises textile fabric waste generated during garment manufacturing, often referred to as clips or scraps. In industry standards, such waste is typically categorised as pre-consumer waste.
- Pre-Consumer Waste: This category includes finished garments that are unsuitable for sale or use. These could be faulty goods, returns, or overstock items.
- Post-Consumer Waste: Recover™ focuses on recycling garments that have been previously worn, repurposing the fraction of clothing that is not suitable for reuse.
By utilising these diverse waste sources, Recover™ ensures a comprehensive and sustainable approach to recycling, contributing to the reduction of environmental impact in the fashion industry.
Recover™ takes a comprehensive approach to environmental responsibility by measuring their full carbon footprint, encompassing Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions across their global operations. This measurement marks the initial stage in their process of establishing a carbon target and implementing a robust, long-term decarbonization plan. By addressing the entire spectrum of carbon emissions, Recover™ aims to play a vital role in minimising their environmental impact and promoting a sustainable future.
In 2022, Recover™ conducted a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of its fibre products in Spain. This particular LCA is referred to as a 'cradle-to-gate' assessment, as it specifically examines the material stage of the product's complete lifecycle. The methodology and data collection for this assessment were conducted in alignment with the "PEF Methodology" version 3.0, following the guidelines established by ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 standards.
All the energy used at their Spanish plant comes from renewable sources, from which Ferre and Canclini purchase our fibre. We take pride in our collaboration with them and in sending our collected waste as part of our take-back/wear-well bag initiative. We believe that as we scale, we can transition to a closed-loop model. In this model, the waste we send to them, when blended with other pre and post-consumer waste, can be transformed into yarn. We, in conjunction with Canclini, then purchase this yarn. This is the model we strive for, where all Neem London's garments (excluding the comfort shirts) can be recycled. Sending them back to Recover, a company powered by 100% renewable energy in Spain, enables us to establish a truly circular system.
Check them out at recoverfiber.com