Transforming Waste into Wear: How Recycled Plastic Bottles Become Yarn

Shark Mate

Transforming Waste into Wear: How Recycled Plastic Bottles Become Yarn

Back to blogs

According to the Ocean Conservancy, 11 million metric tons of plastics enter our ocean every year, posing severe threats to marine life and ecosystems. By diverting plastic waste from landfills and oceans through recycling, we can significantly reduce the waste that harms marine species.

The conversion of recycled plastic bottles into yarn is a game-changer for sustainable textiles. This process starts with the collection and sorting of used plastic bottles, which are then cleaned and shredded into small flakes. These flakes are melted and extruded into fine strands, forming a versatile and durable yarn. This recycled yarn can be woven into a wide range of fabrics, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional textile materials.

Embracing products made from recycled plastic yarn supports environmental conservation and promotes a circular economy, making it a win-win for both consumers and the planet.

Plastic is detrimental to ocean health, and over the years, has severely impacted coastal areas, marine habitats, and coral reefs. It has impacted at least 267 species worldwide, including 86% of all sea turtle species and 43% of all marine mammal species and the statistics are only worsening as we continue to live in a consumption economy.

By turning to methods such as recycling plastics, we can reduce the need to extract raw materials from the Earth and encourage reuse. As passionate scuba divers, the founders of SharkMate have seen this damage up close and hope to create positive impact.

Consumers like yourself, can make a difference. Every action has a considerable impact on our environment and as sustainability enthusiasts, we encourage you to turn to eco-friendly alternatives whenever you can.

At SharkMate, sustainability is not just a buzzword, it’s our core value. Our rashguards serve as an excellent alternative to synthetic materials for your next ocean-side vacation. They are quick drying, provide a 4-way stretch, and have SPF 50 integrated into the material.