Warming YOU, not the planet.

The fashion industry is one of the biggest polluters that is leading us one step closer to the Earth’s demise, with tons of garments being thrown away that still have so much left in them. Here at Flat White, we took the step forward and wanted to start making a difference.

Polyester, one of the world’s most widely known, and most used, fabrics in clothing, is not biodegradable. It won’t be able to decompose until 20 years at best and 200 years at worst. Which is why we wanted to start making a piece made from recycled polyester: Our Frejus cardigan, that is made from 50% recycled polyester. 

Why Recycled Polyester?

Also known as rPET, it’s the material that is obtained by melting down existing plastic and re-spinning it into new polyester fiber. The quality is durable, resistant to abrasion, great for insulation, and always retains its shape. Recycled polyester is similar to virgin polyester in terms of quality, but the production required is 59% less energy compared to making virgin polyester. So not only does it help reduce plastic, but also helps reduce energy, according to a 2017 study commissioned by the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment. 

How Recycled Polyester Helps Our Planet

According to the NGO Ocean Conservancy, every year over 8 million metric tons of plastic enter our oceans. This piles on top of the 150 million metric tons of plastic that is already in our marine environments. Plastic production and consumption is predicted to double over the next 10 years and if this continues, by 2050 there will be more plastic than fish in our marine environments. 

Five water bottles actually yield enough fiber for one extra large T-Shirt, so you can imagine how much plastic can be saved from being thrown into our oceans and landfills when they are turned into something new. WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) also estimates rPET’s production to reduce Co2 emissions by 32% compared to regular polyester.

As a mindful and conscious fashion brand, we understand the impact that the fashion industry has on our planet. We are constantly striving to improve, learn, and grow as a brand that can make a positive impact on our community, environment, and planet. Stay tuned for more sustainable pieces coming soon.