Plastic Fashion Is Here To StayPlastic accounts for nearly 12% of the total waste that is produced and it also causes irreversible damage to the earth. Initially recycled plastic was

used only for the heavier, outdoor clothing, but now manufacturers can produce fabrics that have a variety of weights and textures.

Plastic accounts for nearly 12% of the total waste that is produced and it also causes irreversible damage to the earth. It is extremely important to not only recycle plastic but to also purchase products that are made from recycled plastic. Plastic is recycled in an efficient and simple way. It is first gathered, compressed, baled, and then shipped to processing facilities. It is then shaved into flakes after which it is melted into tiny white pellets that are then reduced again and spun through shower-like nozzles into a viscous fibrous yarn. This yarn can easily be used to knit fabric and used to create elegant pieces of clothing. Astonishing as it may seem, this process uses 30% less energy than manufacturing clothes from virgin polyester.

These relatively recent developments have raised a very important question for designers and fashion affectionados. Is it in fact possible to be both fashion- conscious and eco-conscious? Thanks to increased efforts on the part of clothing manufacturers to improve sustainability in the fashion industry, it is now easier than ever to find on-trend clothing and accessories that fit into a sustainable lifestyle. Making use of post consumer plastic bottles to make recycled plastic fabrics is one of the most innovative ways of making fashion more sustainable. Thanks to modern technology, a beautiful fabric that is both soft as well as durable is woven from thread that is made once the plastic is melted and stretched. This technique is made possible only because of the advances in recycling technology.

Initially recycled plastic fabric was used only for the heavier, outdoor clothing, but now manufacturers can produce fabrics that have a variety of weights and textures. The fashion world is now awash with dresses, skirts and blouses that are manufactured from recycled plastic by both established and upcoming designers. Eco-chic is a green fashion movement that has been steadily growing for the several years now. This trend is not just some passing phase and is much bigger than a just a few collections. Due to the use of recycled plastic fabrics by mainstream designers, eco-chic has slowly entered the fashion world—so that now, entire brands are built around sustainability.

It is quite an ingenious idea to re-purpose plastic than to have it discarded and consequently pollute out land and oceans. It is definitely a win-win situation for the environment and the world of ecologically advanced apparel.