Recycled cotton comes from pre-consumer cutting scraps or post-consumer garments that are sorted, shredded, and respun into new yarn. It’s most commonly sourced where textile manufacturing and recycling infrastructure is strong, including parts of India, Turkey, and Europe (with notable sorting and recycling networks across the EU). Key challenges include limited traceability for post-consumer streams, variable fiber quality, and the need to blend with other fibers for strength. Certifications like GRS (Global Recycled Standard) and RCS (Recycled Claim Standard) can verify recycled content and chain-of-custody; GRS also adds social and chemical requirements. Recycled cotton is widely used in tees, denim, sweats, socks, and home textiles.

Cotton is a soft, fluffy fiber that grows around the seeds of the Gossypium plant. It is one of the most widely used natural fibers globally. Cotton fibers are spun into yarn or thread and used in the production of textiles. While it is biodegradable and breathable, conventional cotton farming often relies heavily on water, pesticides, and synthetic fertilizers.

Sustainable cotton initiatives — including organic, fair trade, and regenerative practices — aim to reduce the crop’s environmental footprint. Cotton is used in an extensive range of products from clothing and bedding to personal care and home goods, prized for its comfort, versatility, and familiarity.