Initiating a Uniforms “Clothing-to-Clothing” Design and Recycling Program | Knowledge Hub | Circle Economy Foundation
imageimage
image
Business case
Initiating a Uniforms “Clothing-to-Clothing” Design and Recycling Program
0
0

Atunas has promoted single-material approach from the source, combined an end-of-line recycling system, and integrated domestic textile upstream and downstream operations to create Taiwan's first outdoor textile circular ecosystem.

Problem

To achieve the goal of zero-waste, Atunas created the "MIT Outdoor Textile Ecological Circularity," having successfully united domestic suppliers across the supply chain to launch Atunas' first fully recyclable clothing. From the source manufacturer to the manufacturing process, consumers, and recycling, Atunas has fully implemented the circular economy concept.

Solution

Reducing carbon from the source and promoting the use of single-materials for all products

Atunas has launched the “All Love Recycled Clothing," which is made from 80% recycled PET bottles and 20% single polyester fiber from second-hand clothing and scraps of fabric. In addition, only single-polyester materials are used to make the whole clothing, including the fabric, woven labels, labels, zippers, buttons, and sewing threads. This allows them to be disposed of directly in the recycling bin at a designated place, making it easy to recycle and reuse them without the need for complex sorting. Dyes of "All Love recycled clothing " are applied to the Eco-friendly inks, ensuring dyes and inks were removed in the decolorization process. The company also uses 100% biodegradable packaging bags!

Integrating an end-of-line recycling system and setting up recycling stations across Taiwan

Atunas provides repair services for its products to extend their service life. It also cooperates with recycling companies to set up designated recycling stations across Taiwan to promote the recycling of used clothes, and provides rewards points to encourage consumers to recycle them. Starting from April 2023, recycling stations have been set up in 31 stores across Taiwan within 6 months.

Outcome

▪ The recycled clothing fabrics are made of 80% recycled PET bottles and 20% old clothes and scraps of fabric, truly realizing clothing-to-clothing recycling.

▪ Compared to typical polyester t-shirts, using recycled yarn can achieve a maximum carbon emission reduction of 72%. Each “All Love recycled clothing” reduces CO2 absorption, which is equivalent to 7.6 trees in one day.

▪ Clothing can be recycled directly without manual sorting, reducing the generation of textile waste.

Additional information

Partners:

▪ Nan Ya Plastics Corporation

▪ Da Fon Environmental Technology Co., Ltd.

▪ Yee Chain International Co., Ltd

▪ Tex-Ray Industrial Co., Ltd.

▪ Taiwan Textile Research Insititute

▪ Taiwan Textile Federation

▪ Minama Technology Co., Ltd.

▪ Asia University

▪ Taiwan, American & Efird (h.k.) Limited., Taiwan Branch

▪ Button International Co., Ltd.

▪ Tn Gear Enterprise Co., Ltd.

▪ Jia Lung Industrial Co., Ltd.

▪ Rixin Printing Development Co., Ltd.

▪ Suntex Embroidery Co., Ltd.

Relevant links
Organisations
Fisheries Research Institute, M.O.A.
Location
Key elements of the circular economy
Industries
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)