Reviving Japan’s traditional textile recycling in circular fashion scene

When it comes to addressing environmental issues in the fashion industry, circular fashion is gaining considerable attention. Unlike the conventional practice of disposing of unwanted items, circular fashion aims to generate zero waste through recycling, upcycling or returning items to the earth.

We have featured about a Japanese circular fashion brand, aloof home, focusing on biodegradable washi apparel. Now, let’s look at another Japanese circular fashion initiative incorporating traditional craftsmanship.

Japanese circular fashion brand RTC crafts clothes from discarded textiles

RTC was founded through a collaboration between two companies: SOLDOUT, a digital marketing firm that supports small to mid-sized businesses in regional areas of Japan, and ABAHOUSE, an apparel brand with 40 years history. Combining their respective strengths and expertise, RTC creates sustainable apparel products while supporting local businesses.

RTC’s items are simple and match well with your everyday outfits as well as office style. With ABAHOUSE’s know-hows and detailed product design, their items are easy to layer and suit various body types.

The unique feature of RTC is their T-shirt subscription service. As T-shirts are versatile and commonly worn in daily fashion, they often wear out quickly. Hence, RTC introduced a system to collect T-shirts from customers every three months and craft new ones from the old ones. With a monthly fee of 1,980 yen (approximately 13 USD), customers can receive new T-shirts without generating any waste.

The key to RTC’s production lies in Japan’s traditional recycling method called “hanmo” technology.

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(Image: A collarless, buttonless blazer that can elevate both business casual and everyday outfits.)

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(Image: A big T-shirt perfect for a casual look.)

Japan’s textile recycling method: What is “hanmo” technology?

Hanmo technology is to cut textile and clothing finely and back into fiber. This technology traces back to the Meiji period (1868 to 1912), when imported woolen goods were rare and highly valued. In Japan where we have the mottainai philosophy, this technology naturally evolved to minimize waste and to make the most of each resource.

The conventional hanmo technology could damage and weaken fibers, so it only allowed them to transform into limited items such as stuffing for dolls or blankets, and felt, due to its lack of durability. Since then, Japan’s hanmo technology has evolved, enabling the transformation of old textile into new clothing. For convenience, RTC’s products are designed to be recycled with this technology. They feature no buttons or fasteners, and even small details such as sewing threads and washing labels are made of cotton.

Unfortunately, due to the decline in domestic apparel production, hanmo manufacturers are decreasing. Hence, RTC is committed to preserving this craftsmanship while also revitalizing local communities and the sustainable fashion industry.