Using recycled materials in our products helps to reduce waste, eases pressures on freshwater resources, and lowers demand for virgin resources.

AFTCO Is Proud to Offer Recycled Polyester to Help Tackle Plastic Pollution

Utilizing recycled polyester helps reduce waste, energy consumption, and freshwater usage in comparison to virgin polyester. Recycled polyester also produces less CO2 emissions in the manufacturing process. The equivalent of a dump truck full of plastic is added to our oceans from land-based sources every minute, and the apparel industry is responsible for an estimated 20% of global wastewater. Recycled polyester can help play a role in addressing these problems.

Recycled Polyester Is Only a Start

We want to continue collaborating with our partners to enable more circular textile-to-textile recycling. Utilizing recycled polyester is a step in the right direction, but it certainly isn’t a perfect solution. Polyester used in apparel is often blended with other fibers which can make the possibility of further recycling more difficult. American’s generate an estimated 17 million tons of textile waste each year and much of that is either burned or ends up in a landfill. While polyester has many performance benefits, a long-term fiber solution ultimately lies within a circular system that enables previously owned garments to be properly recycled.

What Can You Do to Help Tackle Plastic Pollution With Your Clothing Purchase?

1. Purchase high quality goods that you will use often, repair when possible, and donate after use
2. Locate your nearest apparel donation location
3. See how ocean plastic pollution impacts our fishing heritage
4. Visit our partners at REPREVE®, the world’s leading brand of recycled performance fiber

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