Fast Fashion has intensified a crisis that has been growing in the textile industry for some time.
Clothing production has roughly doubled in the past 15 years, owing to a growing middle-class population around the world and increased per capita sales in mature nations. When it comes to pollution, the clothing industry is second to the oil sector, and this hasn't gone unnoticed by today's more environmentally conscious youth. Using old, hand-me-down, or second-hand garments was originally thought of as "cheap," but now it is recognised as an approach to sustainability. Upcycling clothes is one way people are becoming more "green," and it's become so popular that it's become its own industry.
Illustration by Vanshika Mahajan
What does upcycling mean?
Upcycling clothing means repurposing old, worn-out, or damaged clothing into something new.
Clothing that no longer fits, is torn, discoloured, or otherwise damaged can be refashioned into something new. Upcycled clothes, also known as repurposed clothing, reused clothing, and recycled clothing, is gaining popularity in today's fashion industry.
Difference between Recycling and Upcycling
Recycling is the process of repurposing an existing garment or, in the case of textiles, transforming (waste) into reusable materials. Garment recycling entails repurposing or repurposing a garment by re-entering a new phase of its life, which usually begins at retail. As a result, the recycling loop closes near the end of the supply chain and regularly re-enters the market via charities and drop-off locations. The breakdown or processing of strong materials into their purest raw forms or substrates can also be part of the textile recycling process. Recycling technology is viewed as critical in overcoming raw material scarcity and provides businesses with new options for controlling their raw material supply.
Upcycling, on the other hand, is conducting a value-added activity on the material or deconstructed garment in order to create a product that is of higher quality or value than the original. The new life cycle in upcycling begins with a design and may require a full manufacturing cycle, just like a new product. To allow for sourcing, deconstruction, and reconstitution, upcycling can take a long time.
Why upcycling is important?
The current model of the apparel industry is extremely wasteful and polluting. Textiles are estimated to produce roughly 10% of world emissions, more than shipping and flights combined. According to the World Wildlife Fund, one kilogramme of cotton requires 20,000 gallons of freshwater to produce; that's enough for a pair of pants and a t-shirt! And, because farming consumes 70% of all freshwater, we should expect significant changes in the business over the next 10-20 years. The industry is essentially a conveyor belt that consumes vast quantities of resources to produce clothing that is only worn for a brief period of time before being discarded in landfills. Upcycling clothing is a great approach to save waste and environmental impact.
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