Recovered cellulose acetate

This fabric is made from recycled cigarette filters, transforming one of the most common yet overlooked waste streams into a valuable textile resource. Cigarette filters are composed of cellulose acetate, a semi-synthetic polymer derived from cellulose.

The process begins with the large-scale collection of discarded cigarette butts, followed by a purification phase designed to remove tar, nicotine, and other toxic residues. Once cleaned, the filters are shredded into short fibres that are processed into a soft, felt-like nonwoven material.

The manufacturing technique involves an initial felting phase, which binds the fibers into a cohesive sheet, followed by a second phase of embroidery that reinforces the surface and gives the fabric additional structure and strength. The resulting material achieves a balance between softness and rigidity, while maintaining a distinctive texture that subtly reveals its unconventional origin.

The material can be used for accessories, trims, prototypes, and conceptual fashion applications, showcasing how post-consumer waste can be reintroduced into the textile industry through innovative processing.