In this article, we will discuss how common beliefs around bioplastics and biodegradability often conflict with reality and what role they might play in a circular economy.
About Bioplastics And The Word ‘Biodegradable’
Renewcell’s Troubles: An Analysis
On Monday came the news that Swedish textile recycling darling ‘Renewcell’ was bankrupt. Renewcell was a textile ‘advanced’ or ‘chemical’ textiles recycler who aimed to process mostly-cotton textiles (such as bedsheets and jeans) with a series of chemical treatment steps to produce a substitute for wood pulp from trees, which was intended to make, for …
Recycled Polyester and the Plastic Bottle Dilemma
By Paula Lorenz The Thing About Polyester One thing increasingly noticeable on the internet are ads for sustainable clothing made from recycled polyester. Many brands are now marketing recycled polyester clothes, from small ranges or capsule collections by bigger brands, to niche brands that have made this their USP. To the average, eco-conscious consumer this …
Cotton’s Tricky Problem in a Circular Economy
Cotton has long been one of the most important fibres in the textile industry. Accounting for roughly 25 per cent of the global fibre production it ranks second right after polyester in terms of market share.
Christmas Special: Last Minute Tips for Successful Low-Waste Christmas Presents
By Paula Lorenz It’s that time of the year again and while some people already have all their gifts neatly wrapped up, there are surely many who are still looking for a last minute gift. I personally am one of the former, well-prepared but notoriously pragmatic as a giftee. I appreciate gifts that are nice …
Are These ‘Water-Soluble’ Bags Really a Solution to Single-Use Plastics in the Fashion Industry?
‘Water-soluble’ polybags are claimed to be a sustainable alternative to single-use plastics in the fashion industry. But are they really?
‘Plant-Based’ Plastic Leathers: An Update, According to Science
The rise of plant-based leather alternatives appears unstoppable. There is growing interest in cruelty-free, plant-based and low carbon alternatives to conventional leather, especially as veganism and climate conscious buying become top priorities.
Marketing Hype or Reality? Why Plant-and-Plastic Hybrids Are The Worst of Both Worlds
By Dr. Ashley Holding and Paula Lorenz Cactus leather. Apple leather. Coffee shoe foam. It seems like every other week, there is a new story praising the latest material that might be a revolutionary new alternative to some existing material, such as plastic or leather. There is a pattern that connects many of these innovations: …
‘Plant-Based’ Bottles: A Solution to Plastic?
In a recent flurry of media articles, a revolutionary new project was announced to develop plant-based bottles by utilising a new material developed by Dutch company Avantium, which had the support of a number of high-profile brand partners including Carlsberg, Coca-Cola, Danone and L’Oréal. British media wondered if this new material was the end of plastic entirely or more specifically, the end of plastic bottles as we know them. So what is this new material, where does it come from, and how sustainable is it?
What Is ‘Circulose’ … And Is it Sustainable?
One of the biggest recent stories in the sustainable and circular fashion space was the announcement by H&M of a new collection of garments based on a sustainable fiber called “Circulose”.