Recycled polyester
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).
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What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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83.2% Yes
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14.5% No
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2.3% Other - I'll share below
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
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4.7% Second half of November
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43.4% 1st December
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17.4% A week before Christmas
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33.3% Whenever you wish
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1.1% Other - I'll share below