When it comes to sustainability, the age-old proverb “waste not, want not” is heavy on the apparel industry’s mind, as it is the third largest contaminating industry in the world. Decorators and apparel suppliers alike are heeding this call, throwing their hats in the ring to combat this ever-growing problem.
During the Impressions Expo event held in Long Beach, Calif., earlier this year, Shop Talk’s Rick Roth, Ink Kitchen, sat down with industry veterans Zahir “Zach” Sait, John Rusk, and Adam Walterscheid, of the popular Fairweather Johnson brand, to discuss Textisle, their new, effective method of recycling fabric waste to create more sustainable apparel.
“What we’re trying to do is bring a sustainable apparel collection to this market that is private label and tells a good story,” says Walterscheid. “But at the end of the day, it is about being a fan of the Earth.”
Textisle color sorts and combines both post-industrial and post-consumer waste to create 100-percent recycled garments in a range of colors that require no dyeing. This process saves 60 gallons of water per T-shirt compared to other conventional methods.
The product line goes well beyond T-shirts to also include fleece, sweaters and beanies, all with a price point designed to be affordable and competitive. According to Roth, in a world where greenwashing is rampant, Fairweather Johnson is the real deal.
Check out the video above for a full breakdown of Textisle’s process and more information about the company’s unique approach to conquering sustainability.
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