Recycling vs. Upcycling: A Guide for Brands to Make Sustainable Fashion Choices

The fashion industry, a global powerhouse, has long been a major contributor to environmental degradation, from excessive water consumption to carbon emissions. In fact, it produces a staggering 92 million tonnes of textile waste annually, accounting for 10% of global carbon emissions and 20% of global water waste (WasteManaged). The environmental toll extends beyond raw waste, with 87% of the textiles produced worldwide ending up in landfills or incinerators, while less than 1% is recycled into new garments. Moreover, the typical American contributes to the growing issue of textile waste by discarding around 81 pounds of clothing annually, collectively adding to the staggering 26 billion pounds of waste produced in the U.S. each year. 

 Despite these sobering statistics, there is a silver lining emerging in the form of recycled fashion. With the shift toward more sustainable practices, the fashion industry is gradually embracing circular systems that prioritize reusing and repurposing textiles. Instead of contributing to waste, recycled garments can be transformed into a variety of new products, from bags and blankets to upholstery, stuffed toys, and even art and furniture. The possibilities are endless, allowing us to reduce waste while also sparking creativity in the process. 

 While the journey toward a fully sustainable fashion industry is still ongoing, these innovations represent a cautious but optimistic step toward mitigating the environmental damage caused by the fashion world. By incorporating recycling into the fabric of the industry, we can foster a more sustainable future—one where creativity meets responsibility and every discarded item has the potential for a second life. 

 

 

Understanding Recycled vs. Upcycled Garments: Which Path Should Brands Take? 

 As the fashion industry embraces sustainability, two key strategies—recycling and upcycling—are gaining attention. But what sets them apart, and how can brands make the best decision for their sustainability journey? Let’s explore these concepts and help guide brands in making an informed choice. 

 What is Recycling? 

 Recycling in fashion involves breaking down old garments and converting them into raw materials for new products. This could mean turning old textiles into fibers that are then used to create new fabrics or repurposing materials into items unrelated to clothing. The recycling process helps divert textiles from landfills, but it often results in products with lower durability due to the breakdown of fibers. Moreover, large-scale recycling can require significant energy consumption and may contribute to microplastic pollution. 

 At Deepwear, we support brands who want to adopt recycling as part of their sustainability model by partnering with vetted manufacturers who ensure the process is as environmentally responsible as possible. 

 

 

What is Upcycling? 

 Upcycling, on the other hand, takes a creative approach by repurposing old garments into higher-value products. This could mean transforming vintage denim into stylish jackets or turning old shirts into unique handbags. Upcycling is focused on maintaining or improving the quality of the materials, making the final product not only sustainable but often one-of-a-kind. Through our partnerships with trusted manufacturers, Deepwear helps brands tap into upcycling as a way to add value, both creatively and environmentally, to discarded garments. 

 

The Pros of Recycling and Upcycling Garments 

 

1. Environmental Benefits 

 

Both recycling and upcycling contribute significantly to reducing fashion waste and minimizing environmental impact. Whether through processing old garments into new fibers or creatively repurposing them, these methods help lower the demand for raw materials, reduce textile waste, and cut down on pollution. Deepwear’s partnerships with vetted manufacturers ensure that both processes follow ethical and sustainable practices. 

 

2. Resource Conservation and Circularity 

 Upcycling helps conserve resources by reusing existing garments, often adding value through design and craftsmanship. Recycling helps minimize the demand for new raw materials by converting textiles into reusable fibers or other products. Deepwear supports both practices as part of the broader circular economy, ensuring that materials stay in circulation longer and preventing them from contributing to landfill waste. 

 

3. Economic and Social Benefits 

 Both practices can lead to the creation of new job opportunities, especially through upcycling, which is a labor-intensive process. By partnering with manufacturers that focus on sustainable production, Deepwear supports local economies and fosters entrepreneurial ventures that can thrive in a green fashion economy. 

 

 

The Challenges: Recycling vs. Upcycling 

1. Quality Concerns 

 Recycled garments may suffer from lower durability as the fibers are broken down and reused, while upcycled items, though unique, may have inconsistent quality depending on how the garments are repurposed. With Deepwear’s guidance and partnerships, we help brands ensure that their recycled and upcycled products meet high-quality standards, mitigating potential concerns over product lifespan. 

 

2. Energy Consumption 

 Both recycling and upcycling can require significant energy, especially in large-scale operations. However, by carefully selecting partners who focus on energy-efficient practices, Deepwear ensures that its supply chain minimizes energy use and maximizes sustainability. 

 

3. Consumer Perception 

 Some consumers may view upcycled or recycled garments as less fashionable or inferior. Deepwear helps change this perception by working with partners who prioritize design, craftsmanship, and style, ensuring that upcycled products remain fashionable and desirable. 

 

Should You Recycle or Upcycle? A Brand’s Decision 

 Ultimately, whether a brand chooses to recycle or upcycle depends on its specific goals, available materials, and target market. Recycling is ideal for brands looking to reduce waste and reuse materials in a more industrialized way, while upcycling offers a creative opportunity to turn old garments into new, higher-value products. Deepwear is here to help brands make an informed choice about which approach aligns best with their values and sustainability goals, helping them be part of fashion’s green revolution. 

 

Final Thoughts 

 Both recycling and upcycling offer their own set of benefits and challenges, and Deepwear is committed to supporting brands as they navigate these choices. Through our partnerships with vetted manufacturers, we provide brands with the tools and guidance they need to make environmentally and economically responsible decisions. Whether through the scalable approach of recycling or the creative potential of upcycling, Deepwear helps brands contribute to a more sustainable future, transforming fashion waste into opportunities. 

 

 

Ready to be part of fashion’s green revolution? Contact us today to learn how we can help your brand make an impact through sustainable recycling and upcycling practices. Let’s turn fashion waste into a new era of innovation and style.