Best known for its clothes recovery and collection initiatives, Le Relais has found a way to transform used unwearable clothes into thermal and acoustic insulation. Back in 2010, the institution realised that a huge chunk of clothing it collected was not in a condition to be reused in any way. In a bid to find a solution to this snowballing problem, Le Relais ended up developing a cotton-based insulation solution for homes, called Le Matisse.
Le Metisse is bio-sourced thermal insulation that is not only energy efficient but is also produced using minimal greenhouse gases, without water. All the profits from this are reinvested in Le Relais, half of which is shared among its employees, earning the initiative plus points on the social front.
The waste collected by Le Relais is first segregated, leaving mostly cotton-based garments, especially jeans, for Le Metisse. Metal rivets and fibres are then separated from the garments, leaving just fabric content to be shredded and mixed with new polyester fibres. The same is compressed at over 120°C resulting in eco-friendly insulation.
The revolutionary solution, is one of the first of its kind, turning products of fast fashion into a useful, conscious product for one to use. The thermal and acoustic insulation is not only eco-friendly but also more efficient than the traditionally used mineral wool.
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