The Role of Recycled Materials in Outdoor Gear and Clothing

eco

A Deeper Look at Recycling in Outdoor Gear.The familiar phrase “Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.” takes on even more significance for those of us who cherish the outdoors. By incorporating recycled materials into outdoor products, we reduce the need to extract raw resources, conserve energy and water, and prevent valuable materials from being discarded in landfills.

This article explores the role of recycling in outdoor gear:

Recycled Plastic (PET Polyester): One of the most successful recycling initiatives in the industry.
Other Recycled Materials: Various materials that are commonly used in outdoor gear.
Recycled vs. Recyclable: Understanding the difference and why it matters.

Recycled Plastic in Outdoor Gear

When shopping for outdoor gear, you'll often see product information highlighting the percentage of recycled polyester used in the item. Many brands also advertise how many plastic bottles were diverted from landfills by incorporating recycled materials. This is because most recycled polyester in outdoor products starts as plastic bottles.

The plastic in these bottles is a type of polyester called polyethylene terephthalate (PET). PET can be "mechanically recycled" by melting it down and transforming it into new polyester fibers. These fibers are then used to create fabrics and insulations for various outdoor products.

You can find recycled polyester in many outdoor items that would otherwise use virgin polyester, including:

Jackets and sleeping bags with synthetic insulation
Fleece jackets and pullovers
Water- and wind-resistant shells for jackets and sleeping bags
Clothing items such as hats, gloves, socks, and base layers
Backpacks and packs
Towels and blankets

Additionally, chemical recycling of plastics is a promising technology. This process allows for the creation of plastics that are chemically identical to virgin plastic, offering new possibilities for more sustainable outdoor gear. A prime example of success with chemical recycling is the creation of reusable plastic water bottles made from recycled plastic.

Other Recycled Materials in Outdoor Gear

Recycled Nylon

Recycling nylon is more challenging than polyester due to its unique properties. Additionally, there's not yet a consistent, readily available "raw material" like plastic bottles for producing recycled nylon. However, advancements in recycling technologies have made it a viable option for certain fabrics. Recycled nylon is made from materials such as factory scraps, used fabrics, and even discarded fishing nets.

You can find recycled nylon in many outdoor gear items that would traditionally use virgin nylon. The list of products is similar to that of polyester-based gear, with one key difference: nylon is rarely used in synthetic insulation materials.

Other Recycled Materials

While not as widely used as recycled polyester or nylon, these materials occasionally make their way into outdoor products:

Recycled Steel and Aluminum: A large portion of new steel and aluminum in the U.S. comes from scrap metal and recycled cans. This practice is so common that many products containing these metals no longer list recycled content percentages.
Recycled Cotton, Wool, and Down: These natural materials are sometimes recycled or reclaimed, though on a limited scale. Some outdoor brands are exploring ways to incorporate them into their products to minimize environmental impact.
Recycled Paper: Mostly used for product hangtags and packaging, recycled paper is a common feature in outdoor products. Brands often highlight the percentage of recycled content on their hangtags or packaging.

The origin of recycled materials is also an important consideration. Look for the term "post-consumer" as it supports recycling efforts by creating a market for paper that is collected directly from consumers.

Recycled, or Recyclable?

The terms "recycled" and "recyclable" are often confused, but they have distinct meanings in the context of outdoor gear and clothing.

Recycled: This refers to the materials used in the product when you purchase it. A product made from recycled materials means that at least some of its components have been repurposed from previously used materials, such as plastic bottles or factory waste.

Recyclable: This term describes what can be done with the product after its lifecycle ends. A recyclable item can be broken down and processed again into new materials after you no longer need it. However, whether an item can be recycled depends on local recycling facilities and whether there's a market for those materials.

Many outdoor products made with a single material are easier to recycle than those made with multiple materials, as separating components can be complex. Additionally, the ability to recycle an item varies depending on your location and available recycling options.

The ultimate goal for many brands is to create a circular economy, where products are designed to be both recyclable and made from recycled materials, ensuring they are never disposed of in landfills. Some brands are already creating products specifically designed for recycling at the end of their lifespan, and we can expect further advancements in the coming years as recycling technologies improve.

Product Impact Standards
Some organizations have established Product Impact Standards that apply to all brands and products they offer. These standards outline expectations for managing key environmental, social, and animal welfare impacts. They also highlight preferred attributes—credible, relevant, and impactful features that promote positive outcomes across product offerings. Organizations encourage their partners to adopt these practices for their products, including adhering to the standards mentioned in this article. Look for products with these features to support more sustainable and responsible ways of manufacturing gear.