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Vending machine for recycled plastic t-shirts launched at New York Fashion Week

The American Chemistry Council (ACC) hopes recycled plastic fabric becomes the next must-have fashion item.For three days during New York Fashion Week, consumers on midtown 8th Avenue can "buy" a limited edition designer T-shirt made with recycled plastic fabric from a new vending machine by ACC's Plastics Make it Possible --using a plastic bottle as currency. Anyone passing by can simply deposit a plastic bottle into the machine and a new garment made with recycled plastics will be dispensed.

PlasticsToday Staff

September 9, 2013

2 Min Read
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The American Chemistry Council (ACC) hopes recycled plastic fabric becomes the next must-have fashion item.

For three days during New York Fashion Week, consumers on midtown 8th Avenue can "buy" a limited edition designer T-shirt made with recycled plastic fabric from a new vending machine by ACC's Plastics Make it Possible --using a plastic bottle as currency. Anyone passing by can simply deposit a plastic bottle into the machine and a new garment made with recycled plastics will be dispensed.

T-shirt_vendingmachine-618x264.jpgPlastics Make it Possible has partnered with New York fashion designer Allison Parris for the debut of the vending machine, which will be located south of Columbus Circle on 8th Avenue between 57th and 58th streets in New York City from Sept. 9-11. Parris is one of a growing number of designers who have embraced recycled plastics as one of the new go-to materials for creating stylish clothing and accessories, according to a news release.

"I'm thrilled to partner with Plastics Make it Possible and help raise awareness that our everyday plastics can become beautiful, stylish clothing and accessories," Parris said. "When consumers recycle plastics, it gives designers like me the ability to create clothing that's both fashion-conscious and eco-conscious. Recycled plastics make a real contribution to sustainability in fashion--both in my own line and in the industry as a whole."

To help create the T-shirt material, plastic bottles are cleaned, melted, and stretched into a fine thread, which then is woven into soft fabrics. Several designers and brands use recycled plastics to make everything from party dresses to shoes to rugged outdoor jackets.

"By demonstrating that high-quality, stylish clothing can be made with recycled plastics, we hope that Allison Parris's design and this unique vending machine will inspire people to recycle more plastics," said Steve Russell, VP of plastics for the ACC. "The simple act of recycling a plastic bottle or container or wrap not only helps reduce waste but also helps create the raw materials for making new, useful products, such as clothing."

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