Design Delight Studio

How Recover Is Scaling Sustainable Fabrics for the Fashion Industry

The fashion industry faces mounting environmental challenges, producing up to 150 billion garments annually, generating 1.2 billion tonnes of CO₂ and releasing 500,000 tonnes of microplastics into oceans each year (Science Direct). Textile waste totals 92 million tonnes globally, much of which is incinerated or landfilled (UN Environment Programme). Regulators across the EU, China, and US states like California have responded with laws demanding reduced waste and transparency in production.

Recover’s Role as a Textile Recycling Pioneer

Founded over 75 years ago, Recover is among the largest global producers of mechanically recycled cotton. The company transforms post-industrial, pre- and post-consumer textile waste—including fabric scraps and old garments—into high-quality recycled cotton and fiber blends. Through facilities in Spain, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and El Salvador, Recover partners with 150+ businesses to reduce landfill waste, cut water use and eutrophication by 99.9%, lower energy consumption by 96%, and slash CO₂ emissions by 93%.

Expanding Beyond Fibers with Recover Fabrics

In 2024, CEO Anders Sjöblom, formerly of H&M Lifestyle Brands, led Recover into a new phase—developing ready-to-use recycled fabric collections. These fabrics aim to help brands without in-house fiber spinning capacity or seeking faster sustainable solutions by offering easy integration into current supply chains. Recover Fabrics reduce land use, greenhouse gas emissions, and water consumption by up to one-third compared to conventional fabrics.

Key features include:

• Blends of recycled cotton with lyocell, elastane, and responsibly sourced cotton.
• Rapid biodegradability: some fabrics decompose within 3 months versus 200 years for polyester.
• Four collections catering to various needs:
  • Elite Collection: Premium woven fabrics for suiting and outerwear (developed with Portuguese mill TMG).
  • Premier Collection: Versatile woven fabrics for essentials like chinos (developed with Spanish mill Textil Santanderina).
  • Core Collection: Cost-competitive jersey fabrics for t-shirts and hoodies.
  • Essential Denim Collection: Sustainable denim staples balancing performance and style.

Recover also offers "Recover Blanks"—a lineup of unbranded, ready-to-wear basics, such as t-shirts and hoodies, designed for brands wanting sustainable pre-made options.

Driving Factors Behind Sustainable Fabric Demand

Recover’s CEO highlights three main drivers:

1. Consumer awareness: Growing demand to know product origin and environmental impact.
2. Regulation: Increasing government mandates leveling the playing field across the industry.
3. Brand value and risk management: Pressure on brands to meet sustainability pledges and avoid reputational damage associated with greenwashing or false claims.

Overcoming Misconceptions and Challenges

Sjöblom addresses common misconceptions:

• Recycled fibers can match or exceed virgin fiber quality in softness, durability, and variety.
• Sustainability does not necessarily mean higher costs thanks to innovation and strategic collaborations.
• Traceability is vital—Recover employs blockchain digital tracking and physical fiber tracers to verify material authenticity and combat counterfeit certificates common in cotton supply chains.

Essential Takeaways for Fashion Brands

• Sustainable fabrics must meet high standards of quality and fit seamlessly into existing supply chains.
• Transparency and traceability are now non-negotiable for credible sustainability claims.
• Recover’s fabrics provide reliable, scalable, and environmentally impactful materials designed to meet both creative and commercial needs, helping brands accelerate sustainable transformation.

Conclusion

With regulatory pressure intensifying and consumers demanding accountability, Recover is pioneering scalable solutions that merge quality, sustainability, and supply chain readiness. By expanding beyond recycled fibers into premium, traceable fabric collections, Recover empowers fashion brands to meet ambitious environmental goals without compromising style or performance—making sustainable production a practical reality for the industry’s future.

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