How Are Our Recycled Water Bottle Hoodies Made?
We have a big plastic problem. From Mount Everest to the bottom of the ocean, this s**t is literally everywhere. While there are some companies trying to aid the plastic pollution problem by eliminating things like single-use plastic straws (we see you, Starbucks), there are still lots of measures that businesses and consumers can take to stop this problem from doing irreversible damage.
Once we recognised this huge problem, we took to the drawing board to see exactly how we could, as a sustainable clothing company, do our part and partake in plastic recycling - thus, our stylish af ‘Make the Connection’ hoodies were born.
But what exactly is 'Recycled PET', you ask?
Read on to find out how on earth we make these sick and sustainable hoodies out of water bottles...
And check out all our Recycled products here!
‘Make the Connection’ Hoodie
Before we talk about how it’s made, let’s first address the message behind the design. The artwork, done by Melbourne-based illustrator, Pat Rogasch, features barb-wire, chains, and wild animal illustrations that are subtle enough they won’t offend your ‘unconnected’ friends but may lead to a constructive conversation about animal agriculture. How cool is that?! In addition to having a bold and powerful message, the design is spot-on streetwear style. But now get ready to have your mind blown on the materials...
Recycled Polyester: How Are Our Recycled Water Bottle Hoodies Made?
The hoodies are made from both organic cotton and recycled water bottles using the highest quality cotton, of which 15% is made up of recycled polyester — bottles which would’ve otherwise probably ended up in the ocean and taken hundreds of years to break down into microplastic. This material is then sandwiched between two layers of fine organic cotton, making it the perfect hoodie to get cosy in.
Long story short, these hoodies are a triple threat: stylish, cosy, and sustainable. For the cherry on top, in line with the rest of our range, this bad boy is ethically certified by the Fair Wear Foundation and is recyclable GRS certified (Global Recycled Standard). Having this label certifies that the materials we use in our ‘Make the Connection’ hoodie is recycled. It also guarantees compliance with social and environmental criteria such as treatment of waste water, the absence of certain toxic additives, and respect for working conditions in our partner factories!
The Problem with Traditional Polyester
Before delving into what recycled polyester is, let’s take a look at traditional polyester. This material is a manmade one that requires lots of water to produce, in addition to using chemicals and fossil fuels. Traditional polyester is also non-biodegradable and tbh, not the most comfortable to wear, either...
What is Recycled PET, and How is it Made?
PET, or polyethylene terephthalate, is a form of polyester that is a highly recyclable plastic resin.
According to Mixer Direct, resin is “typically the name to refer to a naturally-occurring organic compound that is sourced from plants. It usually consists of noncrystalline, liquid substance that is fusible, making it an effective alternative to plastic and other forms of design.”
In layman’s terms, resin is just a really dope form of plastic - one that won’t f***k up the planet when you use it!
PET is used for packaging items like peanut butter, plastic bottles to hold water, and is also safe for packaging food, pharmaceuticals, and beverages. It’s the preferred type of plastic to use because it is lightweight and inexpensive - better yet, it can be recycled.
Recycled PET is made by sorting its original form and then later ground into particles, which are referred to as “flakes”. These flakes are then put through several stages of separating in this order:
- Washing
- Water bathing
- Air classification
- Disinfection
After all of these steps, the material is washed clean of the disinfectant, dried, and is then reintroduced back into manufacturing to later be repurposed by sustainable companies - like Plant Faced Clothing!
In fact, converting PET into recycled PET takes way less energy than the traditional stuff - up to 53% less! Crazy, right? It's no wonder this fabric is blowing up. 
Rock The Water Bottle-Made Garments Today
Are you ready to flex some cool and sustainable threads which recycle the materials we already have? Then it’s time to check out our ‘Make the Connection’ hoodie:
MAKE THE CONNECTION HOODIE - BLACK - ORGANIC X RECYCLED
AND check out our entire range of Recycled products here!
Be Part of the Bottle Recycling Movement
In addition to wearing Plant Faced’s ‘Make The Connection’ hoodie and our other sustainable streetwear, there are also plenty of ways for you to recycle your plastic bottles at home. Of course, the easiest way is to simply put your used bottles into the recycling bin.
If you are feeling crafty, however, you can turn your bottles into everything from eye-catching vertical gardens to scoopers to bird feeders and more. Let your creativity and imagination run wild before throwing your used bottles away!
If you’re in need of some inspiration, check out this video by Daisy Creek Farms with Jag Singh highlighting 5 incredible ways you can turn your water bottles into gardening tools in under 2 minutes!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOT3cUBedSI
More Information About Sustainable Products & Trends You Need to Know About
Did you love this article about how Plant Faced makes our ‘Make The Connection’ hoodie out of recycled water bottles? Do you want even more info about awesome brands that utilise waste and recycled materials to make their incredible products? Then be sure to check out the following articles to discover even more eco-friendly and sustainable brands! Shop on, and thank YOU for supporting sustainability!
- Ethical Fashion Brands You’ll Love to Wear by Penny Goldstone for Marie Claire
- 9 Great Brands That Make Clothing From Recycled Plastic by Bonnie Rivas Ras for Goodnet
