Material Guide
Recycled Cotton
Giving existing cotton fibres another use.
Recycled cotton is produced using cotton material recovered from textile waste and processed so the fibres can be used again. Depending on the source and manufacturing process, this may include pre-consumer manufacturing waste, post-consumer textiles, or a combination of recycled fibre sources.
What is Recycled Cotton?
Recycled cotton is cotton fibre recovered from existing textile material rather than being produced entirely from newly grown virgin cotton.
The recovered material can be sorted and mechanically processed back into fibre before being spun or blended into yarn for new textile products.
Because recycling can shorten cotton fibres, recycled cotton is often blended with other fibres to achieve the strength, consistency or performance required for the finished product.
This means a product described as containing recycled cotton should not automatically be assumed to be made from 100% recycled cotton.
From textile waste to new fibre
- 1
Collection
Cotton-containing textile waste is collected from suitable pre-consumer or post-consumer sources.
- 2
Sorting
Materials may be sorted by fibre composition, colour and suitability for recycling.
- 3
Fibre recovery
The textile material is mechanically processed to break it back down into usable fibres.
- 4
Yarn production
Recovered fibres may be blended with other fibres and spun into new yarn.
- 5
New textile products
The yarn or recycled textile material can then be used in products such as bags, apparel and accessories.
Where you'll find Recycled Cotton
Recycled cotton is particularly suited to textile-based promotional merchandise and can be found across a range of everyday products.
Bags & totes
Used in shopping bags, tote bags, drawstring bags and other textile carry products.
Apparel & textiles
Recycled cotton fibres can be incorporated into selected garments and textile products.
Pouches & accessories
Used in cosmetic bags, pouches, organisers and other fabric accessories.
Home & lifestyle
Recycled cotton may also be used in selected blankets, kitchen textiles and lifestyle products.
Why consider Recycled Cotton?
Using recycled cotton provides another use for existing textile material and can reduce the amount of virgin cotton required for the recycled portion of a product.
It can be particularly relevant for promotional merchandise where cotton-style fabrics, texture and appearance are desirable.
However, "recycled cotton" does not automatically mean the entire finished product is recycled. Products may contain a blend of recycled cotton, virgin cotton or other fibres, together with components such as zips, handles, labels, threads and trims.
The specific composition of the individual product should therefore be considered when making recycled-content claims.
How much of the product is recycled?
Recycled content can vary considerably between products.
A product may be made predominantly from recycled cotton, contain recycled cotton as part of a fibre blend, or use recycled cotton only in a particular component.
Where the supplier provides a confirmed recycled-content percentage or material composition, Ecosource may display this information against the individual product.
Always refer to the individual product information before stating a specific recycled-content percentage.
Look beyond the material name
Supplier documentation and recognised certifications can provide additional information about recycled content, processing and traceability.
Depending on the individual product, supporting information may include GRS (Global Recycled Standard) or other supplier-provided recycled-content documentation.
Certification must only be displayed where it is specifically confirmed for that product. Do not imply that all Ecosource recycled cotton products carry the same certification.
What about carbon impact?
Material choice is only one part of a product's overall carbon footprint.
Fibre processing, manufacturing, product composition, packaging, decoration, quantity, transport and final destination can all influence the footprint of the finished order.
Where supplier-provided product carbon information is available, Ecosource displays it separately against the relevant product.
Making accurate Recycled Cotton claims
When presenting a recycled cotton product to a customer, base claims on the information supplied for that specific product.
Avoid assuming that:
- the entire product is made from recycled cotton;
- recycled cotton means 100% recycled content;
- every recycled cotton product contains the same fibre blend;
- every product carries a recycled-content certification; or
- the use of recycled cotton alone determines the overall environmental impact of the finished product.
Where available, use the product's stated material composition, recycled-content percentage, certifications and supporting supplier documentation.
Explore products made with Recycled Cotton
Discover bags, textiles, accessories and promotional merchandise across the Ecosource range containing recycled cotton.