Blend materials, also called composite materials, are materials that consist of more than one type of textile fiber. Due to their enhanced performance properties, which draw on qualities of a variety of fibers, their use in the fashion industry is widespread. Examples include denim with elastane content for increased flexibility and comfort, or cotton and polyester blends used to reduce shrinkage and crease resistance. However, the recycling of blend materials is technologically challenging as it requires the separation of all component polymers. Therefore, no recycling options for blends operate at scale to date (NB: Valid at the time of writing, December 2019) and most discarded blends are either downcycled, incinerated or they end up in landfill.
BLEND MATERIALS
