Fast Retailing clothing brand Uniqlo Japan has begun recycling down extracted from donated items for use in new products.

The company announced the new initiative in a trading update yesterday. From November, Uniqlo Japan began using down extracted from quality second-hand down items brought in by customers to any Uniqlo store in the country as material for new down products.

Since September 2019, the company says it has collected around 620,000 second-hand down items under the project.

Uniqlo Japan also plans to start producing high-functioning, quick-drying Dry Ex products using recycled polyester in some of its scheduled 2020 Spring Summer ranges. “These initiatives show how we are creating new clothing value by using new technologies to encourage the reuse of resources,” the company said.

The initiative follows on from Uniqlo’s partnership with materials maker Toray Industries, which saw them begin producing clothing made from recycled down and fabric that contains polyester fibres from recycled plastic bottles last year.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Just Style Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Just Style Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact

Excellence in Action
Recognised with two 2025 Just Style Excellence Awards, Coats Digital is setting a new standard in apparel costing and sustainability with its GSDCost solution . Learn how its data-led approach boosts costing accuracy, ethical compliance and environmental performance across the fashion supply chain.

Discover the Impact