It's no secret that coastal and marine ecosystems are becoming littered with plastic debris. Plastic that finds its way into the oceans can be detrimental to sea life and disrupt the natural balance of an ecosystem. Consumers are continuing to use and throw out plastic goods, but many companies are stepping in to help prevent plastic use from having a negative impact on the environment.

One of the ways these companies are accomplishing this task is by turning recycled ocean plastic into textiles that can be used to create clothing, accessories, and other items. Learn more about recycled ocean plastic textiles so that you will be prepared to understand how they factor into the effort to save the oceans.

1. 'Ocean Plastic' is a Broad Term

Those who aren't familiar with the plastic recovery process may think that all recycled ocean plastic textiles are made from plastics skimmed from the top of the ocean. While some plastic is recovered from the open ocean, ocean plastic is a much broader term that applies to plastic goods collected from a wide range of areas.

The materials used to create recycled ocean plastic textiles can be found on beaches, on the ocean floor, and in rivers and estuaries. 

2. Ocean Plastic Textiles Cost More to Manufacture

You may notice a higher price point on clothing and other items made using recycled ocean plastic textiles. This cost increase isn't a mere marketing gimmick, it actually costs more to produce textile using recycled ocean plastic than other types of materials.

Ocean plastic is gathered from large regions over a period of time. Companies must pay for these smaller collections to be shipped to a centralized facility for processing. Once the small collections arrive, they are sorted and cleaned.

Ocean plastic must be separated according to polymer type, then shredded and processed into resin pellets before it can be transformed into the yarn that will be spun to make textiles. The additional processing required to prepare recycled ocean plastic for manufacturing means a higher production cost for the companies that make recycled ocean plastic textiles.

These higher production costs are reflected in the higher cost of the goods made using recycled ocean plastic textiles.

Most of the textiles created using recycled ocean plastic are comfortable and attractive. These textiles are used to make bathing suits, workout clothing, various trims, and bags that are not only good for the environment but fashionable as well.

Talk to a company that uses coastal and marine recycled plastic textiles to learn more.