9 June 2020
The Weekly
South Africa

Woolworths says it is diverting over one million 500ml PET bottles and turning them into clothes as part of its winter 2020 fashion range. The bottles have been converted into a recycled polyester which is being used mainly for the inner "wadding" of the chain's puffer jackets. While Woolworths has used recycled polyester in items such as denim jeans, the company says it has been hard at work repurposing the bottles into "recycled polyester". This will now form part of its puffer jackets and gilets, as well as some polar fleece items across men's, ladies' and kidswear. The puffer jackets from Woolworths are made from approximately 80% recycled fabric, including the zip tape. Along with the jackets, Woolworths says it is also using recycled PET bottles in duvet fill, reusable shopping bags and packaging. Woolies is committed to sourcing sustainable fibres and including recycled materials in products and packaging.