How it differs from conventional recycling
[Conventional]
・Clothing → wiping cloths (industrial rags)
・Clothing → insulation material
・Plastic bottles → fiber
[T2T (Textile to Textile)]
・Clothing → fiber → yarn → textile → clothing
・Textile waste → yarn → textile → clothing
In other words, T2T is a circular recycling approach aimed at "making clothing from clothing."
In recent years, with the EU placing a strong focus on sustainability, the promotion of a circular economy has progressed, and attention has been growing in the apparel industry toward materials that support T2T. These are sustainable products that can be confidently recommended even to brands that promote the ethical theme of "wanting to use environmentally friendly materials."
What is the closed-loop process?
Often discussed alongside T2T is the
closed loop
process.
A closed loop refers to a circular system in which
products are collected and reused as raw materials for the same product.
For example, in apparel, the cycle of "clothing
→ collection → recycled fiber → yarn → textile → clothing" is repeated.
*In contrast, a system in which materials are recycled once and then diverted to another use is called an open loop.
Going forward, not only reducing environmental impact but also from the perspective of effective use of resources, the development of closed-loop materials is expected to advance further.
Recommended sustainable textiles on ApparelX
RE:NEWOOL
RE:NEWOOL is a recycled wool series made by reusing collected wool products and leftover rolls.
It gives new value to wool materials while making effective use of resources that were previously discarded.
It is ideal for sustainable proposals for autumn/winter items such as coats, jackets, and pants. The unique heathered texture and appearance of wool are also part of the fabric's appeal.
ApparelX ID: 1080553textile
10792501/15 RE:NEWOOL® BOA KNITA recycled boa material made in Japan as part of an integrated process from recycled raw material production. The polyester portion also uses recycled raw materials. The final finishing process for the textile is carried out in
Bishu, Aichi Prefecture, a wool-producing area. It is also enviro...
Manufacturer: Takisada Nagoya / Supplier: Okura Shoji
View productBecause it is a relatively lightweight boa, it is also recommended for layered boa vests and as a liner for blousons. Fabrics with a seasonal feel are definitely something you'd want to incorporate into autumn/winter items.
▶The RE:NEWOOL product list is here
UNITO®
Textile waste such as undyed fabric and yarn waste generated during production is collected, reborn as new yarn, and then transformed into textiles using that recycled yarn.
While many common recycled materials are made with 30% or more recycled raw material, UNITO® uses its unique production network to carefully collect only high-quality textile waste. This achieves a high recycling rate with 100% recycled yarn. It also has the subtle irregularity and rough texture unique to recycled cotton, giving it an attractive vintage-like, natural feel.
ApparelX ID: 1108692textile
62220//0E Vintage Pique Knit (recycled cotton)[Uses 100% recycled yarn] While recycled yarn is generally often labeled as "recycled" when used at about 30% or more, this product is committed to 100% recycled yarn. Unique production net...
Manufacturer: VANCET / Supplier: Okura Shoji
View productA pique material with substantial thickness. It has a volume of 335gsm, yet the irregular surface typical of pique gives it good separation from the skin. Not only for standard polo shirt applications, but also for casual wear such as polo dresses that can be worn on their own, since the knit has a moderate firmness and presence and is not prone to showing through.
▶The UNITO® product list is here
F EARTH®
F EARTH® is a series of sustainable materials from Fujisaki Textile, made by collecting and shredding textile waste and spinning it into a blend of GRS-certified recycled cotton (Recover) and OCS-certified organic cotton.
With an emphasis on reducing environmental impact, it aims to create environmentally friendly products while making the most of the texture of natural materials.
Its natural material feel makes it suitable for a wide range of uses, from casual to lifestyle applications.
ApparelX ID: 1092363textile
FJ94000026/- F.EARTH Jersey"F EARTH" is a sustainable material made by spinning a blend of GRS-certified recycled cotton (Recover), produced from collected and crushed textile waste, and OCS-certified organic cotton. *Order by the
roll...
Manufacturer: Fujisaki Textile / Supplier: Okura Shoji
View productIt has a moderately firm thickness that makes it less see-through, giving it a weight that's easy to use as a single-layer garment. It has a soft hand while also offering a moderate firmness, so it should be useful across a wide range of everyday wear.
It is available in a range of colors and pairs well with vintage styles, so it is also recommended for color-blocked ringer T-shirts and raglan T-shirts.
▶For other F EARTH® product lists, see here
Special feature: fabrics that use the closed-loop process
SEACELL®
SEACELL® is a sustainable
regenerated fiber made from seaweed, developed by the German company Smartfiber.
It uses seaweed grown in Icelandic fjords and cellulose as raw materials, and is attracting attention as an environmentally considerate material that utilizes renewable natural resources.
Its manufacturing process uses a closed-loop method that collects and reuses the chemicals used. By producing while circulating resources, it reduces waste and environmental impact.
Traceability is also ensured from raw material procurement through production.
In addition, SEACELL® is a 100% biodegradable and compostable material of natural origin, designed with consideration for the natural environment even after use.
ApparelX ID: 1104583textile
SEA001SEACELL Jersey SEACELL®️SEACELL® is a
jersey knit made from sustainable regenerated fiber derived from seaweed, developed by the German company Smartfiber. It is ideal for items that come into direct contact with the skin, such as underwear, T-shirts, and baby clothing...
Manufacturer: Okura Shoji
View productSEA001, an ApparelX original product, is a jersey fabric blended with SEACELL® and organic cotton.
It offers a smooth, gentle feel and comfortable wear, making it ideal for items that come into direct contact with the skin, such as T-shirts, innerwear, and babywear.
This is an environmentally and human-friendly sustainable material that realizes circular manufacturing through the use of renewable resources and a closed-loop process.
Summary
T2T (Textile to Textile) is a circular recycling concept in which used clothing and textile waste are reused as fiber.
As the need to address the circular economy grows worldwide, including in the EU, the importance of choosing materials that are easy to recycle and environmentally friendly materials is likely to continue increasing.
At ApparelX, we carry many fabrics, accessories, and supplementary materials that are useful for sustainable manufacturing, including the SEACELL®, RE:NEWOOL®, and F EARTH® introduced here.
For the future of the apparel industry, we would be happy if you would first consider incorporating sustainable elements starting with material selection.
Category
Brands
Style
Material
Collection
Recently Viewed
Popular Items
