Using leftover fabric to create new products, such as cushion covers for sofa cushions, fabric bags, and smaller accessories, is a popular strategy in sustainable fashion and design. But is it really as sustainable as it sounds?
Yes, in many cases it is a more sustainable solution than buying new fabric. By using scraps from production, we reduce waste, maximize material use, and reduce the need to produce new fabric.
However, there are some challenges:
- Logistics and resources: Collecting, sorting, and transforming leftover fabric can require a lot of work and energy, which in some cases can reduce the sustainability benefit. In our case, we use leftover fabrics from our manufacturer, so no extra transport is needed.
- Limited scale: Since leftover fabric often comes in small quantities, it can be difficult to create a cohesive product line, which can lead to inefficient production. It simply takes a bit more time – which we think is worth it. In this case, with our summery cushion covers, we have made as few as 20 pieces of certain colors.
- Quality and durability: Sometimes leftover fabrics may have defects or vary in size and quality. This requires more hands-on work from the artisans.
How do you know it is really leftover fabric?
Many companies use terms like "deadstock" and "leftover fabrics" in their marketing, but it is not always clear what that means. To ensure the fabric is actually leftover, we verify it by;
- Ask the supplier where the fabric comes from and why it is considered leftover. We only use organic leftover fabric in our zero waste collections.
- Request transparency about the production. Is it fabric leftover from other manufacturing, or is it newly produced but marketed as deadstock?
Should the products be cheaper?
It may seem logical that products made from leftover fabric should be cheaper, since the material is a byproduct. But there are factors that can keep prices at a "normal" level:
- Labor costs: Handling and adapting leftover fabric requires more work than using standardized rolls.
- Limited availability: Since leftover fabrics often come in small batches, production becomes more complex and expensive. Of our cushion covers, there are only between 20-50 pieces of each color, and naturally, they will not be restocked.
- Craft production: Many who work with leftover fabrics do so on a smaller scale, often with a more careful process.
