Sequins add light, movement and texture to garments, footwear, handbags and other fashion accessories. Alongside conventional options, sequins made from recycled PET may be considered for an embroidery project. The right material depends on the design, its processing requirements and the documentation available for the chosen batch.

Design options for recycled PET sequins

1. Material choice. Recycled PET, sometimes called rPET, can be used to make decorative sequins. Post-consumer feedstock may include recovered packaging. The precise recycled content and origin must be checked against the supplier’s documentation for the material selected.
2. Shapes and finishes. The Italian article describes sizes from approximately 2 to 22 mm, with flat and cupped shapes. The available dimensions, colours and finishes depend on the current sample range and production requirements.
3. Application. Sequins can be applied by hand or integrated into suitable machine-embroidery processes. We assess the sequin shape, fabric and stitch design together to achieve the intended visual effect.
4. Material claims. A recycled feedstock does not by itself establish the footprint of the finished product. Any comparison of carbon emissions or environmental impact needs a defined product, system boundary and supporting assessment.

Sample card showing different sequin shapes and finishes.

How to check GRS documentation

The Italian article refers to the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) and to supplier certificates. GRS is a third-party standard covering recycled content and chain of custody, with additional social, environmental and chemical requirements. A claim about a particular sequin or finished embroidery should be backed by current, product-specific supplier and transaction documentation. A supplier’s general certification does not automatically certify every product made with its materials. Textile Exchange explains the GRS requirements and claim thresholds.

For an order that requires a specific recycled-content or certification claim, tell us the intended application and documentation requirements at the start of development. We can then check the available sequin options and relevant records for that project.

Explore a sequin embroidery project

We can help compare sequin samples, colours, shapes and embroidery effects for a garment, accessory or interior detail. You can also explore our guide to custom sequin fabrics. To discuss material selection and request a sample or quotation, contact Marini Ricami 1986.