Visual Impressions Waste Diversion
Visual Impressions is a contract apparel decorator in Milwaukee. They are having a difficult time recycling “pellon”. This material is a composite fiber that is usually composed of cotton and polyester. It is the backing material used to stabilize embroidery images when sewn onto garments. The team researched possible solutions to this challenge. Possible solutions considered included changing the composition of pellon, finding a recycler willing to pay for the material, or finding someone that can use the material “as is” as a resource.
Outcomes
Pellon, the backing that stabilizes embroidery is currently not recyclable in the embroidery industry. Visual Impressions is searching for ways that the material can be reused or otherwise diverted from landfills. The UW-Madison team explored the problem and made their recommendations to Visual Impressions at the end of the semester.
Focus Areas
Project Leader
Tom Eggert
Professor
- School or College
- Gaylord Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies