Paz Coliguante - Translated by Laura Osuna
Looking for innovative solutions for sustainability in fashion, Bolivian engineer Grecia Bello has developed Arakuaa, a machine that turns recycled plastic bottles into textile threads. This technological advance not only opens new doors for the fashion industry but also offers a practical way to reduce plastic waste and give it a second life, helping fashion become more sustainable.
How does Arakuaa work?
Arakuaa is a machine that that takes recycled plastic bottles and processes them into textile fibers. The process begins with collecting and classification of the plastic, a crucial step to ensure that only recyclable material is used. Then, the plastic is shredded and processed at high temperatures to transform it into threads that can be woven and used in garment production.
- Collection and classification of plastic: PET bottles (polyethylene terephthalate), the most common type used in beverage containers, are separated.
- Shredding and cleaning: The plastic is ground and cleaned to remove impurities and unwanted residues.
- Melting and extrusion: The shredded plastic is melted and take out through a machine that turns it into continuous filaments, similar to threads used in textile manufacturing.
- Weaving and design: These recycled threads can be woven into fabrics or used in other products, such as accessories and garments, without sacrificing quality.
This process enables the creation of threads that can be used to make sustainable clothing, without relying on virgin materials, reducing the demand for natural resources and preventing millions of tons of plastic from ending up in landfills or the ocean.
Why is Arakuaa a sustainable alternative for fashion?
The impact of Arakuaa on fashion sustainability is relevant for several reasons:
- Conservation of natural resources: The traditional textile industry is known as one of the most polluting, mainly due to its use of virgin resources like cotton and polyester, which require vast amounts of water, pesticides, and energy. By recycling plastics and transforming them into threads, the need for these materials is reduced, easing fashion’s environmental footprint.
- Reduction of CO2 emissions: The plastic recycling process generates significantly fewer carbon dioxide emissions compared to the production of conventional textile materials. This makes Arakuaa a high-impact alternative, helping fashion brands reduce their carbon footprint.
Arakuaa is much more than just a machineit is a key tool for revolutionizing the way the fashion industry addresses the sustainability challenge. By transforming discarded plastics into quality threads, it opens a world of possibilities for Latin American designers who want to do their part in the fight against climate change.
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