Fast fashion has long been criticized for causing millions of tons of waste and carbon emissions for products that people don’t end up using for long. And while selling fashion products through thrift stores has become more popular, there are still major problems in this industry.
One of the major problems with recycling clothing comes down to a struggle with identifying what exactly fabrics are made of.
Now, researchers at the University of Michigan have come up with a solution of woven-in labels that identify the materials.
A Treehugger report has revealed some interesting facts.
“Like different plastics, different fabrics also have unique optical signatures. But as Brian Iezzi, lead author of the study, explains, those signatures don’t help recyclers much because so many fabrics are comprised of a blend of materials.”
With a microscopic labeling process that is inexpensive, it will become a lot easier for recycling companies to identify and deal with all types of mixed fabrics in a more effective way.
And if the fashion industry can live up to its promises of becoming more sustainable, then this is the type of technology they should embrace immediately.
Chris is one of GreenCitizen’s writers who has been a long-time advocate of individual responsibility when it comes to the environment. He shares GreenCitizen's passion for making the world a better place every day of the year.
Circular Economy ,
New Fashion Labeling Technology To Help Recycling
by : Chris Bolt | Published: March 3, 2023
A simple breakthrough technology from the researchers at the University of Michigan could make clothing recycling more feasible and effective.
Fast fashion has long been criticized for causing millions of tons of waste and carbon emissions for products that people don’t end up using for long. And while selling fashion products through thrift stores has become more popular, there are still major problems in this industry.
One of the major problems with recycling clothing comes down to a struggle with identifying what exactly fabrics are made of.
Now, researchers at the University of Michigan have come up with a solution of woven-in labels that identify the materials.
A Treehugger report has revealed some interesting facts.With a microscopic labeling process that is inexpensive, it will become a lot easier for recycling companies to identify and deal with all types of mixed fabrics in a more effective way.
And if the fashion industry can live up to its promises of becoming more sustainable, then this is the type of technology they should embrace immediately.
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Chris Bolt
Chris is one of GreenCitizen’s writers who has been a long-time advocate of individual responsibility when it comes to the environment. He shares GreenCitizen's passion for making the world a better place every day of the year.
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