Our Story
Rubbish London was founded by Matt in 2019 with a clear mission: to turn textile waste into something meaningful. What started as a fashion brand using recycled materials quickly became a deeper exploration into what sustainability really means.
Like many, we initially believed that recycled polyester was a sustainable solution but over time we learned that not all recycling is created equal. The environmental impact of plastic based textiles challenged everything we thought we knew.
Determined to find a better path, Matt joined forces with a U.S. material science company in 2022 to take on an ambitious goal: to create the first clothing made from 100% recycled cotton without plastic, without compromise.
We achieved a major breakthrough in 2023. Now, we’re focused on making this circular model not just possible, but scalable and financially sustainable.
At Rubbish London, we’re not here to follow trends. We’re here to challenge an industry and build something better one recycled thread at a time.
Its all about Circularity
We are now focussed more than ever on the end of life stage of our clothing. Whilst much is made of the problems creating clothing, until now little has been said or done to address the huge waste issue and environmental costs of humanities unwanted or worn out clothing.
By moving to recycled cotton we have been able to address this problem head on. Our material is now fully circular, starting and ending in a mechanical recycling centre. In 2022 we moved our production from India to South America after teaming up with a material science company in the USA.
This move enabled us to work with one of the worlds leading manufacturers who are one of the few companies worldwide capable of producing GRS certified 100% recycled Cotton. The quality of the cotton is far superior to the recycled cotton produced in India which has enabled us to produce a far more durable product which is on par with virgin cotton.
The manufacturing process requires no dyes, chemicals or water and reduces carbon emissions by up to 87% compared to virgin cotton production.
We take it all back
Our take back initiative is the latest step on our sustainable journey. Launched in 2023 we now offer a free recycling service on all of our recycled cotton products. Each item of clothing has a unique QR code label which allows free returns (UK only) for our customers worn out or unwanted clothing.
