From a plastic bottle to recycled yarn

An illustration of polyester yarn made from post-consumer PET. The quantity obtainable from one bottle depends on its weight and the yarn specification.

What are recycled polyester yarns, how are they made and where might they be used in embroidery? The article originally published in 2017 looked at these questions through the example of PET, or polyethylene terephthalate, commonly used in drink bottles. Collected PET can be sorted, cleaned and processed into material for new polyester fibres and yarns. The resulting yarn specification depends on the feedstock and processing method.

Using recycled PET can reduce demand for virgin raw material. The original Italian article quoted numerical estimates for yarn yield, carbon emissions and energy savings, but did not identify the study, product or assumptions behind those figures. We therefore do not treat them as universal performance claims: any environmental comparison should be based on the actual material, process, supplier documentation and life-cycle assessment.

Using recycled yarn in embroidery

The original 2017 article used Adidas footwear as an editorial example of interest in materials from post-consumer plastic. It does not imply a production relationship with Marini Ricami.

For a producer of embroidery and fashion accessories, recycled polyester yarn is one possible material for embroidered garments, footwear, accessories and leather goods. A yarn made from recycled PET can be tested against the design’s requirements for colour, handle, stitch definition and durability. Composition and recycled content should be checked against the supplier’s documentation for the specific yarn selected.

Characteristics and possible applications

Depending on the yarn and construction, recycled-polyester embroidery can offer an attractive finish, stitch strength and a choice of bright or muted colours. These properties should be confirmed on a physical sample rather than assumed for every product.

Possible applications include denim and jeanswear, sports and fashion garments, underwear, uniforms, workwear, embroidered patches and other accessories. Brands seeking documented recycled content can request material specifications and any applicable certification from the supply chain.

To discuss a sample or the available recycled-yarn options, contact us. You can also read about organic and recycled yarn options for embroidery.