The Process of Cashmere Recycling: A Step Towards Sustainability
Cashmere, renowned for its softness and luxurious warmth, is a staple of high-end fashion.
We often get asked: “What happens to torn and damaged clothing?” While we receive many high-quality pieces, not all arrive in perfect condition. Some have holes, tears, or show signs of wear—but that doesn’t mean they go to waste.
Today, we’re going to talk specifically about what happens to the damaged cashmere we receive. We’ll walk you through the entire process, from the moment we select it from our rags to how it’s recycled and transformed into new cashmere products, playing our part in the circular economy.
Here’s what we do with used & damaged cashmere...
At LA Vintage, we are on a mission to change the world one clothing item at a time through our dedication to the circular economy. Based in Los Angeles, our sorting plant, Samiyatex, processes millions of pounds of clothing each year, manually sorting and repurposing textiles like cashmere to reduce overconsumption and the fashion industry’s environmental imprint. For retailers, designers, and stylists, we offer the opportunity to not only create beautiful products but to become a part of this movement toward a more sustainable future.
1. Sourcing and Gathering 100% Cashmere Bales
The process begins by collecting used 100% cashmere clothing from global sources such as textile recycling programs, vintage wholesalers, and brand partnerships. Our team manually sorts through millions of pounds of clothing to handpick cashmere items that will be recycled or upcycled. These garments, while no longer in perfect condition, still have incredible potential. By purchasing Cashmere Bales from LA Vintage, you gain access to a wide range of cashmere garments perfect for creative repurposing—whether you’re designing new collections or curating vintage looks.
2. Sorting and Grouping by Exact Color Shade
Once the cashmere garments are gathered, we sort them by exact color shade. This critical step in the textile recycling process allows us to minimize waste by avoiding re-dyeing. Whether you’re a designer looking to work with natural tones or vibrant hues, the precision with which we sort the garments ensures color consistency for your creations. Sorting by color also reduces water usage and chemical waste, making it a step toward more sustainable cashmere practices.
3. Shredding and Transforming Cashmere
After sorting, the cashmere garments are carefully shredded to break down the fibers while maintaining their luxurious softness. These fibers are then re-engineered into new yarn, which can be used to create fresh cashmere fabrics. Even if a piece of cashmere is worn or damaged, the fabric’s high-quality fibers can be transformed and given new life, making cashmere a perfect candidate for regenerative fashion. By purchasing from us, you are ensuring that even the most damaged textiles are repurposed into something beautiful and valuable.
4. Re-Spinning into New Yarns and Fabrics
The fibers are spun into yarns and woven into new fabric, which is then distributed to designers, stylists, and retailers worldwide. This eco-friendly fabric, crafted from upcycled cashmere, is perfect for creating high-end, sustainable fashion pieces. Whether you’re a designer working on your next collection or a retailer looking to offer eco-friendly products, our recycled cashmere fits seamlessly into your plans. Fashion brands both big and small are now embracing this process, offering consumers sustainable options without sacrificing quality or luxury.
5. Supporting the Circular Economy with Sustainable Cashmere
As part of the circular economy, LA Vintage ensures that no cashmere goes to waste. We are committed to reducing the fashion industry’s carbon footprint, one bale at a time. By recycling and reusing garments, we minimize the environmental impact associated with the production of new textiles. Each Cashmere Bale we provide is a step towards a more sustainable fashion ecosystem—one where materials are constantly being reused and repurposed, rather than discarded.
When you choose to work with LA Vintage, you are becoming part of this movement. Whether you’re upcycling pieces into fresh designs or reselling unique vintage finds, you are directly contributing to reducing overconsumption and supporting sustainable fashion.
LA Vintage: Pioneering Sustainable Fashion
At LA Vintage, we believe that every piece of clothing has the potential for a second life. We play a vital role in the circular economy by recycling millions of pounds of clothing every year, ensuring that high-quality materials like cashmere are reused rather than wasted. Our mission is to make sustainable fashion accessible to designers, retailers, and stylists who want to make a positive impact on the environment while maintaining style and luxury.
Join us in transforming the fashion industry. When you buy from us, you’re not just purchasing a product—you’re investing in the future of fashion, where sustainability and style go hand in hand.
Ready to Source Your Cashmere Bales?
If you’re looking to buy used 100% cashmere clothing, LA Vintage can provide a consistent supply. We produce over 10,000 lbs of cashmere, carefully sorted into 100 lb bales perfect for upcycling or recycling. Each Cashmere Bale contains a mix of items, including long sleeves, short sleeves, scarves, and bottoms, in varying sizes and styles. Some items may be sellable, while others are ideal for upcycling into new designs.
Our bales include a wide selection of recyclable, renewable, or regenerative cashmere, ensuring high-quality materials for your projects. We offer virtual shopping experiences for smaller, curated orders, or you can schedule a warehouse appointment to personally select your items.
Contact us today at info@lavintage.com to learn more about how you can incorporate eco cashmere into your business and become part of the circular fashion revolution!
