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Advancing Circularity
Iteratif’s X Re:Down
Collaborative Effort to recycle Down-Filled Jackets
At Re :Down, our mission has always been clear: to reduce waste and promote sustainability through the innovative recycling of down and feathers. Over the years, we’ve refined our processes to reclaim high-quality down from post-consumer products, breathing new life into what might otherwise be discarded. A recent and impactful milestone in this journey has been our partnership with the French startup, Iteratif, which has enabled us to push the boundaries of what’s possible in textile recycling.
A Tradition of Recycled Down with a Modern Twist
Down and feathers have been repurposed for as long as they’ve been used as insulation. Historically, reclaimed down would be separated from fabric, cleaned, and mixed with virgin down to create new bedding products. We took inspiration from this traditional practice and developed a cutting-edge, environmentally friendly process that focuses exclusively on post-consumer down. This approach allows us to ensure that our products meet the highest quality standards, such as the Global Recycled Standard certification, while minimizing environmental impact.
However, the recycling of down-filled jackets poses unique challenges. Unlike bedding, which mainly consists of simple cotton shells, jackets often feature multiple fabrics, trims, zippers, and even waterproof linings. This diversity complicates the recovery of down and the recycling of non-down components. To address these challenges, we at Re:Down, developed an innovative, patented machine to automate and streamline the process.
A High-Tech Solution to Down Extraction
Our extraction machine is designed to efficiently recover high-quality down from used jackets. Jackets are first prepped by removing zippers, buttons, and other hardware. Once inside the machine, the jackets are cut into smaller pieces, and a vacuum-based system separates the down from the fabric. This process allows us to recover approximately 90% of the down, which then undergoes a thorough cleaning with our unique thermal water-based system. This method is chemical-free and environmentally sustainable, with all water being filtered and returned as clean drinking water.
But what happens to the remaining materials? This is where our partnership with Iteratif comes into play. While we handle the down, Iteratif* specializes in the efficient separation and recycling of non-down components, such as shells, zippers, linings, and labels. Their advanced techniques enable us to ensure that no part of the jacket goes to waste.
Solving the Challenge of Complex Materials
Iteratif’s expertise is particularly valuable when dealing with the varied components found in jackets. Unlike down bedding, where the material mix is relatively simple, jackets are a patchwork of different textiles and trims. This complexity requires specialized handling to ensure each component is properly processed. Iteratif’s advanced separation methods allow us to categorize and repurpose secondary materials, such as nylon shells, polyester linings, and even synthetic trims.
In addition, Iteratif’s custom-developed software enables full traceability throughout the recycling process. This system creates a transparent recycling chain, providing our brand partners and customers with detailed information about the source and journey of the recycled materials. Transparency is a cornerstone of our commitment to sustainability, and Iteratif’s technology has been instrumental in delivering this level of visibility.
A Partnership with a Vision for the Future
Our collaboration with Iteratif has been so successful in Europe that we are already looking to replicate this model in other regions. In China, where post-consumer waste is predominantly composed of jackets rather than bedding, we have already deployed the same automated extraction machine at our local facility. Building on the circular recycling process developed with Iteratif, we are exploring ways to replicate this approach to support a global circular economy, tailored to the needs of brands operating in China.
Together with Iteratif, we are not only recycling high-quality down but also addressing the broader challenge of textile waste, aiming for a zero-waste approach. We believe that innovation is key to a sustainable future, and through partnerships like this, we are confident that we can create a significant positive impact in the textile industry.
This collaboration is more than just a technical solution; it is a statement of what is possible when companies come together to tackle pressing environmental challenges. At Re:Down, we remain committed to finding new ways to extend the life of materials and minimize waste, one jacket at a time.
Let’s continue to move forward—sustainably and responsibly.
* Iteratif: https://www.iteratif.com/
Iteratif’s X Re:Down
RE:Down®: Because We daRE. We are RE:Down®.
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For more information about our innovative recycling process, visit www.re-down.com or contact us via email: contact@re-down.com.
