Upcycling instead of throwaway culture - new meaning for textile leftovers
Waste of resources? No thanks!
A major problem for people, animals and the environment is the huge overproduction of the fast fashion industry, which not only requires an excessive amount of resources, but also causes many products to soon end up in the trash due to poor quality.
What many consumers are not aware of is that in the textile industry, a large amount of fabric scraps are left over during the production of clothing - since these remain unused, they are considered waste. Around 20 percent of all textiles produced end up in the bin as "offcuts" or residual material during conventional processing. This represents a senseless waste given the high consumption of resources.
Re-fashion instead of fast fashion
NINA REIN attaches great importance to the responsible use of resources. We love our high-quality materials and want to waste as little of them as possible. One solution to this is to get as close as possible to the zero-waste principle.
Zero Waste is a countermovement to the wasteful throwaway mentality of the fast fashion industry and relies on patterns that produce as little waste as possible. The cuts of the garments are planned in such a way that the fabric panels are used optimally and no fabric scraps are left over.
Due to the nature of our patterns, we are unable to use the entire length of fabric to produce one piece of textile. However, to avoid wasting fabric, NINA REIN relies on upcycling. This gives the fabric scraps a new purpose through further processing and we come as close as possible to zero-waste production.
What is upcycling?
The term is made up of the English words up and recycling . It involves upgrading objects that are no longer used with a little effort and creativity.
We apply this principle: NINA REIN uses upcycling for various accessories, such as scrunchies and belts. This not only produces them sustainably, but also gives the leftover fabric scraps a new meaning and saves valuable fabrics from being thrown away.
The Benefits of Upcycling
Especially in the fashion sector, we can set an example by reusing clothing and bring about a general change in the fashion industry by promoting upcycling.
Through the process of recycling, upcycling reduces the need for newly produced raw materials, reduces waste in landfills and reduces air and water pollution. Upcycling is sustainable when the "upcycled" object is given a new purpose through this "transformation" and is actually reused. Last but not least, it sets a positive example for everyone and raises awareness of environmental issues.
Our everyday tips
You don't always need professional processing to give unused clothing a new life. If you want to make your clothing selection sustainable and at the same time be as economical as possible, we have some tips for you. And remember: there are no limits to your imagination when it comes to upcycling.
Often it is enough to just browse through your wardrobe and you will find many new ways to combine your clothes. Belts and accessories are also a great way to show them off - you can be a bit wild with them. You can combine different styles so that the "chic" clothes are worn more often. For example, a glittery top looks casual with wide summer trousers and a loose (men's) shirt.
Even if a piece of clothing no longer fits, it doesn't mean it's in the bin - that would be a shame! A tailor can help you out in this case. Another great idea is to give the clothes away to friends or to discover new treasures yourself at clothing swap parties.
Saving resources can be so easy!
You can also look for upcycled fashion items when shopping. At NINA REIN you will find stylish scrunchies that have been redesigned from leftover fabrics. These are made from the environmentally friendly fabric Lyocell or from sustainably sourced silk. The Cintia belt is also made from Lyocell and is therefore not only sustainable, but also actively sets an example against the waste of valuable raw materials.
Sources:
https://umweltmission.de/wissen/zero-waste/
https://green-lifestyle-magazin.de/slow-fashion-trend-upcycling-2/
