02-17-2025
From Textile Waste to Sustainable Fashion: Recover's Journey in Eco-Friendly Apparel
Dominic Manzo, 4ocean Content Producer
In a recent episode of our podcast, Can Business Save The Planet?, 4ocean Co-Founder Alex Schulze sat down with Bill Johnston, Co-Founder of Recover, a sustainable apparel company that’s been redefining the textile industry since 2010. As a pioneer in sustainable fashion, Recover proves that business can be a force for positive environmental change.
Johnston’s background in outdoor adventure travel and textile manufacturing inspired him to create a company that transforms industrial textile waste and recycled plastic bottles into high-performance apparel. Recover specializes in lifestyle and performance wear, with signature products like t-shirts and sweatshirts made from 100% recycled materials.
What sets Recover apart is its innovative approach to textile recycling. The company meticulously sorts textile waste by color, breaks down fibers, and blends them with recycled PET plastic to create durable, sustainable garments.
Sustainability at Recover extends beyond production. Every product is designed to be recyclable, reinforcing a circular economy model that tackles one of the fashion industry’s biggest challenges: textile waste. By keeping valuable materials in use and out of landfills, Recover aligns with the same mission that drives 4ocean.
As Recover approaches its 15th anniversary, Johnston remains optimistic about the future of sustainable fashion. He emphasizes the need for third-party certifications to combat greenwashing and make sustainability more transparent for consumers. Through collaborations with leading brands and organizations, Recover continues to scale its impact, proving that sustainable manufacturing is both environmentally responsible and commercially viable.
This conversation is a reminder that business innovation can address environmental challenges while still delivering premium products: an ethos that aligns with the future of sustainable manufacturing and 4ocean’s commitment to cleaner oceans.
For a full deep dive into Recover’s mission and process, check out the full podcast below. Watch, learn, and get inspired to be part of the change.
