Recycled Cotton – Bags and other Merchandise

14 August 2023

Sustainable or Not?

Recycled cotton tote bags have become a feature recently as a promotional product. Recycled cotton is nothing new – possibly the oldest of the recycled materials – but we do not see it used very much. Why is that? What is it? And is it a sustainable product?

Cotton as a natural material.

Cotton, recycled or not, is a natural product made from the cotton plant. As such, all cotton fabrics will biodegrade naturally. Cotton can get a bad press in the sustainability stakes because it is crop grown in hot climates and requires large quantities of water and uses large quantities of pesticides as well. Usually compared to a polyester material is still favours well since it is not a plastic and gives off no micro plastics during the cleaning process.

The alternative to standard cotton is organic cotton sold under the GOTS label. Organic cotton is the same basic plant, but a variant which grows with less water and uses less pesticides. The issue is that only a small quantity of cotton is organic and is more expensive than a standard cotton.

What is Recycled Cotton?

Recycled cotton can be generally defined as converting cotton fabric into cotton fibre that can be reused. Recycled cotton is also commonly referred to as regenerated cotton, reclaimed cotton, or ‘shoddy’.

Textile recycling is generated from two primary sources:

• Pre-consumer: includes scraps created by yarn and fabric by-products

• Post-consumer: includes garments, upholstery, towels, household items to be repurposed

The reference above to recycled cotton being an old phenomena refers to the 19th century practise of collecting old garments via the ‘rag and bone’ man. A practise driven by poverty and need rather than sustainability and ESG policies!

Today, the largest volume of recycled cotton sources is produced through pre-consumer waste, such as cutting scraps. Post-consumer waste is more difficult to sort through due to various colour shades, fabric blends, and it is generally a more labour-intensive process.

The majority of recycled cotton is re-claimed through mechanical recycling. First, fabrics and materials are sorted by colour. After sorting, the fabrics are run through a machine that shreds the fabric into yarn and further into raw fibre. This process is mechanically harsh damaging the fibres in the process. The quality of recycled fibre will never have quality values equal to the original fibre. Specifically, fibre length and length uniformity will be impacted, which will limit the end-use application. The recycled fibre is often used in conjunction with other fibres reducing the possibility of the fibre going through multiple recycles.

Benefits & Problems with Recycled Cotton Fibres

Benefits

• Recycled cotton can find new life in many different low-grade products such as insulation, mop heads, rags, and stuffing – although it is not as good as virgin cotton fibre

• The process of recycling can divert many products from landfills. According to the Council for Textile Recycling, annual textile waste is estimated to equal 25 billion pounds in weight.

• The amount of energy, water, and dye use is reduced by using a product that has already been processed.

• The CO2 and fossil fuel emission savings can be partially offset by using existing materials. However, the collection, processing, and shipping of cotton scraps or clothing can reduce or neutralize some of these savings.

Issues

• Cotton must be blended with other fibres to be made into new yarn for strength and durability, and therefore cannot continuously be recycled.

• The content of recycled cotton will depend on the end-use application. Any amount of recycled product will impact the yarn and fabric properties such as evenness, strength, and uniformity.

• Recycled yarn cost is generally higher than standard, virgin cotton yarn costs, and could possibly be cost-prohibitive.

Pavilion is not a great fan of recycled cotton believing organic cottons are a better option. But like all things environmental this is a judgement and things are never black and white. SO if you do want a recycled cotton tote bag, please do get in touch and we can discuss the options.

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Raster versus Vector - advice for the decoration of branded promotional merchandise

by David Platt • 5 February 2025

Understanding Vector Files vs Raster Files for Eco Promotional Products When it comes to branding on eco promotional products, understanding the different file types is crucial. Whether you’re creating logos for reusable water bottles or designing training manuals, the choice between vector and raster files significantly impacts the quality, scalability, and versatility of your designs. In this blog, we’ll explore the characteristics of these two file types, their applications, and why choosing the right format matters for both print and digital media. --- What Are Vector Files? Vector files are a digital image format based on mathematical formulas that define shapes, lines, and colours. Unlike raster files, which are made up of pixels, vector files use points and paths, allowing them to remain resolution-independent and infinitely scalable. Common vector file formats include **.SVG** (Scalable Vector Graphics), **.AI** (Adobe Illustrator), and **.EPS** (Encapsulated PostScript). Advantages of Vector Files 1. Scalability: Vector files can be scaled up or down without any loss in quality. Whether you’re designing a logo for a promotional pen or a large conference banner, vector graphics remain crisp and clear. This scalability makes them ideal for **printing on eco promotional products**, signage, and manuals. 2. Editability: Vector files are highly editable. Designers can easily adjust individual elements like shapes, colours, and sizes without compromising image quality. This flexibility is particularly useful for **custom branding**, where logos or designs need modifications for various products. 3. Small File Sizes: Vector files are typically smaller than raster files because they store mathematical data rather than individual pixels. This makes them faster to load, ideal for web use, and easier to share across platforms. Applications of Vector Files Vector files are perfect for projects that require sharp, scalable designs. Their primary uses include: - **Eco promotional products**: Logos for reusable bottles, tote bags, and stationery. - **Print materials**: Brochures, business cards, and training manuals. - **Signage**: Pop-up banners and large-scale graphics. - **Web graphics**: Icons, infographics, and logos for websites. --- What Are Raster Files? Raster files, also called bitmap images, consist of individual pixels that make up the image. These files are resolution-dependent, meaning their quality is determined by the **pixels per inch (PPI)** or **dots per inch (DPI)**. Common raster file formats include **JPEG**, **PNG**, and **TIFF**. Advantages of Raster Files 1. Photorealistic Detail: Raster files excel at capturing detailed and complex images, such as photographs or digital paintings. This makes them ideal for **photographic designs** used in digital or print materials. 2. Image Effects: Raster files support various effects, such as shading, filters, and blurring. These capabilities allow designers to enhance photos or create artistic visuals for **social media posts, eBooks**, or website banners. Applications of Raster Files Raster files are better suited for detailed, photorealistic designs. Their primary uses include: - **eBooks and digital materials**: Low-resolution images for screens. - **Web graphics**: Social media posts and website banners. - **Photography**: Printing high-resolution photos for promotional use. - **Complex artwork**: Digital illustrations or detailed graphics. --- Vector vs Raster Files: Key Differences 1. Scalability - **Vector Files:** Infinitely scalable without loss of quality, ideal for logos and large-format printing. - **Raster Files:** Lose quality and become pixelated when enlarged. 2. Editability - **Vector Files:** Easy to edit individual elements (shapes, colours, etc.), making them versatile for product branding. - **Raster Files:** Difficult to edit without compromising quality. 3. Resolution Dependence - **Vector Files:** Resolution-independent; sharp at any size. - **Raster Files:** Resolution-dependent; quality depends on the original PPI or DPI. 4. File Size - **Vector Files:** Smaller file sizes, suitable for web use and quick loading. - **Raster Files:** Larger file sizes due to pixel data. --- Why File Choice Matters for Eco Promotional Products When creating branded materials for eco promotional products, the right file type ensures your designs are visually appealing and consistent across all platforms. Here’s why: - **For Print:** Vector files are essential. Logos and graphics need to be sharp and scalable for different product sizes, from mugs to banners. Vector files also work best for high-resolution branding on training manuals or reusable promotional items. - **For Digital:** Raster files are better suited for low-resolution displays, such as eBooks, social media posts, and websites. However, remember that even digital logos and icons can benefit from vector files for faster loading and a crisper appearance. --- Partnering with Pavilion Earth for Your Eco Promotional Needs At Pavilion Earth, we understand the importance of getting your branding right, whether it’s for a biodegradable tote bag, a stainless steel water bottle, or digital training materials. Choosing the right file format is just one step in ensuring your promotional products reflect your values and your brand’s quality. Our team can guide you through the process of selecting and preparing the correct file types for your eco promotional products. Need help deciding between vector and raster files? Let us assist you in optimising your designs for maximum impact. Contact Pavilion Earth today to discuss your promotional product needs and branding goals. Together, we’ll make sure your materials stand out while staying eco-conscious.