Lingerie set made from recycled nylon and Lycra fibre

Using an innovative recycling process developed by Radici Group research division Radici InNova, which uses selective dissolution technology capable of treating mixed recycling waste, the lingerie set has been made from recovered nylon and Lycra fibre.

The recycling of garments made from different types of fibres is a major challenge for the textile industry. In the absence of a chemical or mechanical process capable of separating and recovering the individual materials, these garments have so far become waste destined for incineration or landfill. The new process developed by Radici InNova uses non-toxic, non-flammable and environmentally compatible solvents applied to the main types of nylon to enable the production of the 100% recycled underwear in a closed-loop system.

The recovered fibres come from Triumph’s production surplus, a fabric containing 16% Lycra fibre. The recovered Lycra fibre was then re-spun by The Lycra Company, while RadiciGroup processed the recycled nylon to produce new Renycle yarn. These recycled yarns were then used to create a 60m black fabric, from which Triumph produced a coordinated bra and brief set, demonstrating the possibility of closing the loop, from waste to new garments.