Gebruder Otto and ITA Augsburg partner to create towels from recycled cotton

German cotton spinner Gebruder Otto, in collaboration with the Recycling Atelier at ITA Augsburg, is pioneering a sustainable textile revolution. The 12-month project, funded by the German Federal Environmental Foundation, aims to produce cotton towels using yarn containing 50 per cent recycled cotton fibers from post-consumer waste.

This innovative approach addresses the environmental impact of the textile industry, which generates significant waste. By repurposing discarded textiles, the project aims to reduce water consumption, energy usage, and carbon dioxide emissions. The project focuses on refining the recycling process, breaking down textiles into reusable fibers. White cotton towels, being a single-material product, are ideal for this process. Otto is optimizing its spinning processes to accommodate the unique properties of recycled fibers.

While the initial tests are promising, the ultimate success of this initiative depends on the quality of the recycled yarn. The goal is to produce a yarn that is indistinguishable from one made entirely from virgin cotton.

This project aligns with Gebruder Otto's commitment to sustainability. The company has been offering recot, a yarn made from 25 per cent recycled pre-consumer waste and 75 per cent organic cotton, since 2009. The increasing demand for sustainable textiles indicates a growing consumer awareness and a shift towards eco-friendly choices.