Recycling Assurance 3-Step Test
A patent-pending chemical testing method that identifies whether yarn, fibre or fabric is made from recycled plastic bottles, and to exactly what percentage.
The problem with recycled polyester claims
With the growth of recycled polyester, virgin and recycled polyester have become essentially indistinguishable to the naked eye in terms of look, feel and quality.
That has made it straightforward for unscrupulous suppliers to sell regular polyester as recycled, and genuinely difficult for brands to know what they are actually buying.
Most verification methods on the market give you an expected range of recycled content. We developed RA3 because we didn’t think a range was good enough.
How our Recycling Assurance 3-Step Test (RA3) works
Developed by Waste2Wear in 2019 and refined over several years, RA3 is a chemical testing method that goes beyond what the industry has accepted as standard verification.
Where others give you a range, RA3 gives you the exact percentage of recycled PET bottle content in any fibre, yarn, fabric or finished product. It is the only method in the world that does this.
Exact content, not a range
RA3 identifies the precise percentage of recycled PET bottle content in a sample, not an estimated range. That number is specific to your product and your order, and can be verified independently.
Applicable across the supply chain
RA3 can be applied to fibres, yarns, fabrics and finished products, making it useful at any stage of your supply chain rather than only at the point of final manufacture.
Validated by Wessling
The RA3 methodology has been independently validated by Wessling, a German testing and certification institute. For brands that require third-party documentation, Wessling can conduct independent testing on request and issue their own certified results.
Third-party certified
Beyond our own blockchain traceability and RA3 testing, all Waste2Wear fabrics can be independently verified through recognised third-party certification bodies. If your business requires that level of documentation, it is available on request.
We understand if you’re sceptical
The recycled textiles space has a trust problem and we are well aware of it. Our RA3 test is our answer to that. A patent-pending method that gives you a precise recycled content figure rather than a range or a category. Independent third-party testing is also available on request for brands that want verification that sits entirely outside of us.
If you work with other suppliers and want to verify what percentage of a product is actually made from recycled plastics, you can send it to us. We will test it and give you a precise figure. No obligation to work with us beyond that.
Ideas, insights and updates from Waste2Wear.
Building a circular future requires transparency and constant innovation. Here, we share news, insights, and project developments that highlight how we are transforming waste into premium products for global brands.
FAQ
Have any questions?
We believe transparency shouldn’t be complicated. Below, we’ve answered the most common questions about our recycling process, how we verify our supply chain, and what makes our materials different.
How does rPET compare to virgin polyester?
From a performance standpoint, rPET behaves the same as virgin polyester. It offers the same durability, dyeability and moisture-wicking properties. The difference is entirely in the source material — rPET starts as 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles rather than new raw materials, using 70% less energy, 86% less water and 75% less CO2 in the process.
What certifications do your fabrics carry?
Our fabrics are produced under GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certification. All of our factories are certified to BSCI, GOTS and RDS standards. In addition, every product can be tested using our patent-pending RA3 method, which gives you a precise recycled content percentage. Third-party lab verification is available on request.
Can I get custom colours and weights?
Yes. We work with your product team to match fabric weight, hand feel and colour to your requirements. If you have specific technical specifications, we can discuss those during the sampling process.
How does traceability work on the finished product?
Every product comes with a QR code that connects the end user to the full supply chain story, from where the plastic was collected to how it was processed and manufactured. That information is recorded on blockchain, making it tamper-proof and permanently accessible.
What is the minimum order quantity?
Minimum order quantities vary depending on the fabric type and application. Contact us directly and we can discuss what works for your production volume.