1207 days ago

Recycled polyester

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean Hamilton

Along our journey to creating a more sustainable future, our studios are working to incorporate innovative textiles into our product offering. The technical advancement of recycled yarn production has led to textiles which are not only more environmentally friendly, but emulate the soft handle of virgin fibres. In this article we explain the process of transforming post-consumer plastic bottles into recycled polyester yarn, through an investigation into the production of our first recycled product Kumo Recycled by James Dunlop.

Woven in 92% recycled polyester and 8% polyester yarn, Kumo Recycled presents a modern perspective on fibre construction. Available in 15 decorative shades, Kumo Recycled is suitable for those seeking a high-performance wide width sheer that is fire retardant and has a weighted selvedge in both residential and commercial applications, elegantly framing the view in any setting.

THE RECYCLING PROCESS:
At the recycling facility, post-consumer PET bottles are magnetically sorted by a metal detector and the labels are washed off with water in a revolving cylinder called a Tromel. The clean PET bottles are then sorted into types and colours by a near infrared ray and spectrum camera before being shredded into flakes underwater.

Separation occurs as lighter plastics float to the tank’s surface. The flakes are dried in a tumbler, then rinsed with sodium hydroxide, dried, rinsed in water, and dried once more. Residual contaminants and metals are then blown out and the flakes are shredded into smaller flakes, ready to be used to produce a liquid polymer (resin).

Keep reading: www.curtainclean.co.nz...

More messages from your neighbours
16 days ago

Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.

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18 days ago

Poll: Are you a Te Huia fan?

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

All three Hamilton MPs appear to be united behind the retention of the Te Huia passenger rail service between Hamilton and Auckland, as well as potentially expanding it to Tauranga.

But whether Hamilton East’s Ryan Hamilton, Hamilton West’s Tama Potaka and soon-to-be Labour list MP Georgie Dansey have the combined power to shunt transport minister Chris Bishop and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon onto their line of thinking remains to be seen.

Are you a Te Huia fan? Tell us more in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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Are you a Te Huia fan?
  • 81.4% Yes
    81.4% Complete
  • 18.6% No
    18.6% Complete
86 votes
11 hours ago

Addictive Eaters Anonymous

The Team from Addictive Eaters Anonymous - Hamilton

Monthly AEA Web Events

The AEA Web Event is a monthly online meeting where AEA members from all over the world come together to share their experience, strength and hope. Three members speak for 10 minutes each, followed by member sharing.
ALL NEWCOMERS WELCOME.

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