Fashion for Good is researching the quality of recycled cotton. The project analyses limitations and develops a quality matrix for the fashion industry.
What happened
The Amsterdam-based innovation platform Fashion for Good has launched the Cotton Reloop Matrix Project, a study into the possibilities and limitations of mechanically recycled cotton. Together with partners such as Bestseller, C&A and Reformation, Fashion for Good aims to bridge the gap between the quality requirements of fashion brands and the capabilities of recyclers. The organisation announced this in a press release.
Why it matters
According to Fashion for Good, research is necessary because mechanical recycling shortens and weakens cotton fibres. Cotton accounts for 19 percent of global fibre production, according to the organisation. When shredding textile waste, only 45 to 50 percent of the input material is reportedly reusable. Fashion for Good also states that the tensile strength and elasticity of yarn decrease when the proportion of recycled cotton in a yarn blend exceeds approximately 10 percent. According to the organisation, this can also affect the durability of the final fabric.
In addition to these technical limitations, Fashion for Good also identifies market barriers that hinder the scaling of recycled cotton. According to the platform, brands are hesitant due to concerns about consistency, fibre length and higher costs compared to virgin cotton, among other things. At the same time, according to Fashion for Good, recyclers and fashion brands often test separately and with different measurement methods. Consequently, the capabilities of recyclers and the quality requirements of brands do not always align.
The Cotton Reloop Matrix Project consists of three phases. First, Fashion for Good will develop a Quality Matrix for jersey and woven fabrics. This will provide insight into the applications for which mechanically recycled cotton is currently commercially viable.
This news brief is based on reporting published by FashionUnited on 2026-10-07. The original report is linked below.
FashionUnited
https://fashionunited.com/news/retail/fashion-for-good-explores-new-quality-standard-for-recycled-cotton/2026100775078This independent news brief is based on the public source identified above. It is an original summary or translation, not a reproduction of the source article. Rights in source text, research, trademarks and images remain with their respective owners; images are used under the licence or permission identified in the credit. Rights holders may contact rights@goodproductasia.com with evidence of ownership. Verified concerns will be corrected, replaced or removed promptly. This report is not investment, legal, medical or purchasing advice.
