You may have seen images of experiments underway on our social media! In parallel with our clothing production, we continue to advance our textile recycling project, which is important to the entire team. Here is an update on the project's development, our ideas, and what's coming soon! To find out how the project came to be, read or re-read this article (https://atelier-b.ca/en/blogs/blog/un-projet-deconomie-circulaire).
Playing with colours
Sorting our scraps following our manufacturing productions is a laborious task. We receive our off-cuts all mixed up in large bags and we first need to sort them. Since our garments are cut using a computer-assisted robot, the layers of fabric are vacuum-packed for precision. Inside the bags we find paper - to place the pattern pieces - and thin plastic - to remove the air. Once these materials have been removed, the cuttings have to be separated by colour. It's time-consuming, very dusty manual work, but it's crucial for our fibre upcycling process!
When the colours are separated, they are sorted with remnants of similar tones. We work with the fabrics as if they were paint pigments and turn them into recipes. Once we have the right amount of scraps to turn into pulp, the transformation begins!
Different fabrication models
Over the last few years, we have experimented with a number of techniques to create objects using our textile pulp. Some require state-of-the-art equipment, others are traditional or handmade. Rather than choosing just one way of doing things, we've concluded that the best thing for us would be to implement several techniques that meet different manufacturing needs. In fact, these processes mirror our garment production. Some of the pieces we make are sewn one at a time, in a traditional way, others in small batches, and some, like our basics, in manufacturing conditions where the volume is greater. These three production methods (one-offs, small exclusive productions and mass production) will be used to make different types of products as part of our textile circularity project.
Artistic exploration
Since last fall, like a breath of fresh air in our daily lives, we have decided to devote more time to playing with materials, without any expectations of bringing them to market. We freely explore possibilities, sometimes taking poetic detours. Playing with concepts allows us to discover new potential. We're experimenting with marbling, superimposing colours and adding natural ingredients to alter the pulp. We also draw inspiration from techniques such as Kintsugi (visible repair of ceramics) and Kami-ito (paper thread) to develop our ideas. These techniques are both part of Japanese traditions because, let's face it, the Japanese are masters in numerous craft techniques. That's why Catherine and I went on an exploratory research trip to Japan in the spring of 2024. We share our discoveries in two articles: Japan part I: contrasts and knowledges and Japan part II: a journey between nature and architecture.
The next steps
Our first production of hangers was released in December 2025 and is available in a wide range of colours. We have tested different finishes to make them smoother and softer. We are currently working on a collection of moulded objects that will be produced in small series. Expect intriguing pieces that are both decorative and functional. We hope to present all of our research and experiments in the form of an exhibition this spring, including both exploratory pieces and moulded products. An invitation will be sent in due course!
Thank you to our team and to the SODEC and Recyc-Québec for their ongoing support of our research.
*This article was updated in January 2026.