The concept of environmental sustainability is based on the use of natural resources in a way that allows the needs of present generations to be met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. From this point of view, it is clear that the use of pre-consumer recycled yarn is a positive contributing factor in the pursuit of environmental sustainability.
Giving textiles a second life
As we have already mentioned in previous publications, the pre-consumer raw material that we use in Vilarrasa to manufacture pre-consumer recycled yarn comes mainly from textile waste generated mainly in the manufacture of fabrics. What would have happened to this waste if it had been reused?
In all likelihood, they would have been dumped in a landfill or burned in an incineration plant, in either case the impact would have been negative for the environment.
Using pre-consumer waste to be more sustainable
It is important to remember that burning textile waste generates more carbon dioxide than burning coal; it is estimated that for every kilo of waste burned, 1.36 kg of CO2 is generated per Mwh. If they had been dumped in landfills, their degradation would have been slow, taking approximately one year for 100% cotton fibres and 20 to 200 years for polyester fibres. Throughout the whole degradation process, a large amount of gases, such as methane, are eliminated, which contribute strongly to the greenhouse effect.
Manufacture of new pre-consumer recycled yarn
On the other hand, we should bear in mind that by using recycled raw materials, we do not consume natural resources. For every kilo of recycled cotton used, we avoid consuming 10,000 litres of water, which is what is estimated to be consumed in the cultivation of one kilo of virgin cotton. In addition to this, we should remember that cotton is the crop that uses the most chemicals for its cultivation, contributing 23% of all insecticides and 10% of all pesticides consumed on the planet.
At Vilarrasa we firmly believe that the use of pre-consumer recycled yarn is a good way towards sustainability and care for the environment.
