It didn't start this way
Having spent many years working in the fashion industry, Matt Hyland had seen the impact that fast fashion in particular had on the environment. When it came to starting his own brand sustainability was at the forefront of the business.
What started out as a brand showcasing Matt's designs and prints gradually evolved into a zero waste sustainable business focussing on recycling and circularity. Rubbish London is now at the forefront of circular fashion.
It all starts with the people who make our clothes
Rubbish London’s manufacturing partners are certified members of the Fair wear Foundation, SA8000 and SMETA (Sedex) which regularly audits its members ensuring the welfare of their employees. The certifications require members to meet the following labour standards.
- Safe workplaces and healthy working conditions
- A living wage
- Increased awareness of rights and opportunities to organise
- Better relationships with management and more input in workplace decision-making
- Employment is freely chosen
- No discrimination in employment
- No exploitation of child labour
- Reasonable hours of work
- Legally binding employment contacts
As we've evolved, so has our materials
While always focussed on 100% recycled materials, Rubbish London is continually revolving. Initially we used a blend of recycled cotton and recycled polyester. As we learned more about the end of life recycling issues with blended fabric we switched to 100% recycled cotton. As the first British brand to do so, this innovative fabric remains our material of choice. We call it the most sustainable new fabric on earth.
Its all about Circularity
We are now focussed more than ever on the end of life stage of our clothing. Whilst much is made of the problems creating clothing, until now little has been said or done to address the huge waste issue and environmental costs of humanities unwanted or worn out clothing.
By moving to recycled cotton we have been able to address this problem head on. Our material is now fully circular, starting and ending in a mechanical recycling centre. In 2022 we moved our production from India to South America after teaming up with a material science company in the USA.
This move enabled us to work with one of the worlds leading manufacturers who are one of the few companies worldwide capable of producing GRS certified 100% recycled Cotton. The quality of the cotton is far superior to the recycled cotton produced in India which has enabled us to produce a far more durable product which is on par with virgin cotton.
The manufacturing process requires no dyes, chemicals or water and reduces carbon emissions by up to 87% compared to virgin cotton production.
We take it all back
Our take back initiative is the latest step on our sustainable journey. Launched in 2023 we now offer a free recycling service on all of our recycled cotton products. Each item of clothing has a unique QR code label which allows free returns (UK only) for our customers worn out or unwanted clothing.
