Michigan Technological University will showcase the gowns and caps of the graduates on 28 April, 2012.
Michigan Tech student Emily Baker tries on a recyclable cap and gown made from empty plastic water bottles.
These gowns and caps are made using 100% recyclable yarns, Repreve, which is made from plastic water bottles, but are normally black in color.
Twenty seven plastic water bottles are used to produce the yarn for a gown. There have been discussions for an eco-friendly initiative at Michigan Tech. Currently, this green initiative will be the standard for actually designing and commercializing this innovative fabric.
According to Beth Pollins, a main player in commencement planning, they are delighted about this product, as green gowns and caps have been finally made. This is part of the company’s strategic plan for improving the promise towards sustainability.
Beckie Belanger of the Campus Bookstore and Pollins has stated that the recycled material does not wrinkle and is soft and breathable.
Unifi, a manufacturer of sustainable textile products, has made Repreve and Herff Jones has the gowns and caps. Recyclable material is used in this product, which reduces the usage of refined crude oil utilized in the production of traditional nylon and polyester. It will also be used in the Ford Focus’ seat fabric.
1% of the Repreve sales has been contributed to five environmental issues by Unifi, which recycles approximately 900 M water bottles in a year
Empty plastic bottles, totaling 27,000, will be used to make gowns for around graduates at Michigan Tech in this spring. These gowns and caps of the graduates can be recycled once again.