Textiles

What are Textiles made from?

There are two types of textiles in today's world. Those made from natural fibres such as wool and cotton and those made from man made fibres such as nylon.

Why should we recycle textiles?

The recycling of textiles has many benefits, the list below does not include them all.

• Recycling reduces the need to transport fibre from abroad to make textiles, thus saving energy.

• The reduction of materials going to landfill.

• Man made fibres cause a problem in landfill as they do not degrade.

What sort of textiles can be recycled?

All textiles can be recycled from denim to wool.

How are textiles recycled?

Once the textiles have been collected they are sorted into the different types of fibres and colours. The textiles that can be reused are removed and often sent to charity shops or even abroad. The remaining textiles are processed, the process differs depending upon the end use. Normally the textiles are shredded and mixed with other fibres.

What is made from recycled textiles?

Most textiles are actually reused but of the percent that is recycled there are various uses including industrial cloths, insulation material and filling material for products like duvets.

But first...Think before you throw.

• Old textiles could become useful cloths for the home, especially old T-shirts.

• Clothes are often thrown away because they have gone out of fashion. They could be altered to extend their life.

• If they have been out grown then maybe you could give them to a friend, a charity shop, sell them at a car boot sale or send them to a jumble sale.

Before you recycle please remember.

If you are giving your old clothes to a charity shop please ensure that they are clean, it costs the shop money to launder clothes that are given to them.