by Kal Kalim

The Problem with “Recyclable” : How brands use it to mislead—and how most of us misinterpret it.

“Recyclable” has become a feel-good term in the age of green market...
Kal Kalim, Creative Director UNModa Progressive Luxury Streetwear, India's first streetwear label for women

The Problem with “Recyclable”

How brands use it to mislead—and how most of us misinterpret it.

 

“Recyclable” has become one of the most comforting marketing words in a world desperately trying to undo the damage of overconsumption,. It gives us a sense of doing the right thing. A sense of hope. A green halo.

But here is the uncomfortable truth. Recyclable does not mean sustainable. And in many cases, it doesn’t even mean the product will ever be recycled.


WHAT "RECYCLABLE" REALLY MEANS 

Let us strip it down to its core.
A product is recyclable if, under ideal conditions, its materials can be processed and turned into something new.

Sounds fair. But those “ideal conditions” are rare:

  • Not all materials are accepted in local recycling systems.
  • Many garments are made from blended fabrics ( like cotton-polyester mixes ), which are still difficult to separate and recycle effectively.
  • Some items include prints, zippers or trims that make them non-recyclable unless disassembled — a step that rarely happens.
  • Some materials are technically recyclable but financially or logistically unviable to process.
  • Often, only a part of a product is recyclable—but it is marketed as though the whole thing is.

Result? Most recyclable items still end up in landfills or incinerators.


"RECYCLABLE" DOES NOT EQUAL TO "RECYCLED"

This is the key misunderstanding. Brands rely on the consumer seeing “recyclable” and assuming “eco-friendly” or “planet-positive.” But that is not the same thing.

Let us take a common example: polyester.

  • It is recyclable in theory.
  • But textile recycling is highly limited, expensive and often leads to downcycling (turning the material into something of lower value or eventually non-recyclable).

Meanwhile, brands produce billions of garments with a “recyclable” label, while only a tiny fraction of global textile waste is ever actually recycled.


GREENWASHING IN PLAIN SIGHT

Slapping “recyclable” on packaging has become a branding trick—one that creates a sense of responsibility in the buyer without requiring responsibility from the brand.

Fashion labels do this constantly:

  • Packaging made of plastic marked “100% recyclable” but used in regions where no facilities exist to process it.
  • Tags that say “sustainable” or “eco-friendly” on garments made of synthetic blends.
  • Plastic hangtags attached to “conscious” collections.

It is performative, not impactful. And that, is greenwashing.


WHY THIS MATTERS TO CONSCIOUS CONSUMERS?

Many consumers want to do better. But they are overwhelmed, misinformed or misled. And when brands misuse terms like “recyclable,” it:

  • Shifts the burden of responsibility to the consumer.
  • Creates a false sense of sustainability.
  • Distracts from the bigger issue: we are producing and consuming too much.

 

Until there is accountability, "recyclable" will continue to be a convenient disguise.


WHAT SHOULD WE LOOK FOR INSTEAD? 

If you care about sustainability, it is time to look beyond buzzwords.

Choose brands that:

  • Use recycled ( not just recyclable ) materials.
  • Offer take-back programs or practice circular design.
  • Are transparent about their supply chains and end-of-life product journey.
  • Favour natural fibres, mono-materials and minimalist packaging.
  • Focus on longevity, repairability and reuse rather than one-time recyclability.

 

Ask yourself:
Will this product actually get recycled—or is that just a comforting label?


THE TRUTH BEHIND THE WORD

“Recyclable” is a word with potential. But until systems evolve and brands stop using it as a marketing crutch, it falls short of being a real solution. If we want to build a truly conscious fashion future, we need to stop accepting the bare minimum.

Let us demand truth in labels, action behind promises and impact over intention.

 

 

 

About the Author

Kal Kalim is the soul behind UNMODA — a weaver of stories, a seeker of truth and a creator of spaces where fashion meets philosophy.

With roots in many countries and a heart full of questions, Kal moves through the world asking: What if fashion could heal? What if design could awaken? What if we dressed not to impress, but to express the future we believe in?

 

 

 

by Kal Kalim