The reuse and recycling of cotton is an important step in making the textile industry more sustainable. In 2022, Bo Weevil took a step in this direction and received the GRS certificate.
WHAT IS THE GRS STANDARD?
The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is a voluntary product standard that tracks and verifies the content of recycled materials in an end product. This standard applies to the entire supply chain and includes traceability, environmental principles, social requirements, chemical content, and labeling.
Recycling is the process of converting waste materials into new materials and objects, as an alternative to conventional waste disposal. This can save materials and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) requires that one or more material types in products consist of at least 50% recycled material. The percentage of recycled material must be specified on the label for each material type.
The certification also imposes requirements on the environmental policies of production companies, such as requirements regarding the discharge of wastewater and the registration of the use of water, chemicals, and energy. Regarding human resources, there are requirements regarding working conditions, safety, level of education, and minimum wage for the staff.
Why should we recycle cotton?
Cotton is the most widely used natural fibre worldwide. It is commonly used in clothing dueto its versatility, performance and natural comfort. Given the excessive consumption of this fibre, the ideal would be that all products made from cotton could be recycled, which would allow to reduce millions of tons of waste nowadays present in landfills. Recycled cotton can be generally defined as converting cotton fabric into cotton fibre that can be reused in textile products.
There are several benefits of using recycled cotton and textiles, including:
- Conservation of resources: Recycled cotton and textiles reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills and conserves natural resources such as water, energy, and land.
- Reduction of environmental impact: By reducing the amount of waste that goes to landfills, the use of recycled cotton and textiles helps to minimize greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants that can be harmful to the environment.
- Energy savings: The production of recycled cotton and textiles requires less energy than the production of new materials. This means that less fossil fuels are consumed, resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions.
- Water conservation: The production of recycled cotton and textiles requires less water than the production of new materials. This is because recycled cotton has already been through the process of dyeing and finishing, which can require a significant amount of water.
- Reduced cost: Recycled cotton and textiles can be less expensive than new materials, making them a cost-effective option for manufacturers and consumers.
Overall, using recycled cotton and textiles can have a positive impact on the environment and the economy by reducing waste, conserving resources, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Tekst hoofdcategorie
