What is recycled cashmere wool?

What is recycled cashmere wool?

Cashmere wool, derived from the cashmere goat, is known for its exceptional softness and insulating properties. Traditionally, cashmere is considered one of the most luxurious materials in the fashion industry. 

The process of recycled cashmere

The process of recycling cashmere begins by collecting surplus or used cashmere products, such as sweaters, scarves and blankets. These are then sorted by color and quality. The fibers are cleaned, stripped of impurities and processed into new yarn.

Compared to the traditional cashmere production process, which requires the breeding and shearing of goats, cashmere recycling is significantly more environmentally friendly. It minimizes the demand for new raw materials and reduces the negative impact on the environment.

Recycled cashmere wool is more sustainable

As you can see in the image above, 66% less water is used, 67% less energy and 85% less CO2 is emitted when making an item from recycled cashmere wool versus new cashmere wool.

Benefits of Recycled Cashmere

Using recycled cashmere offers several benefits, both for the environment and for you, the customer:

1. Sustainability: By using recycled materials, clothing made from recycled cashmere reduces pressure on natural resources and reduces textile waste.

2. Quality: Recycled cashmere retains the distinctive softness and warmth of traditional cashmere, allowing consumers to enjoy high-quality garments without compromise.

3. Ethics: The use of recycled materials contributes to a more ethical and responsible approach to fashion production because it reduces reliance on labor-intensive and potentially harmful processes.

4. Trendsetter: Brands that embrace clothing made from recycled cashmere can position themselves as forerunners in sustainable fashion and inspire other industry players to embrace similar practices.

Clothing made from recycled cashmere wool

Cashmere is one of the very softest wools available. Even if you find wool easily itchy, you will probably tolerate clothes made of cashmere. Cashmere is also nice and warm, and it can absorb up to 30 percent of its own weight in moisture, water vapor and sweat without becoming uncomfortable to wear. 

In addition, cashmere wool does not need to be washed often because it hardly absorbs odor and is dirt-repellent. It is often enough to put a cashmere wool sweater in the shower stall for a while after you have showered so that with a little steam it will be completely fresh again. 

Recycled cashmere wool washing

Cashmere wool hardly holds any odor so does not need to be washed often. Often a brief "airing" is sufficient. When washing wool, it is best to do so gently: 

• Wash it on a special wool programme in your washing machine and spin at a maximum speed of 1,200 rpm.
• Use a special detergent for woollens or delicate fabrics.
• Let it dry horizontally! Vertical drying on a clothes rack or line stretches the material, so you want to avoid that.