Discover the Best Sustainable Blankets of 2023: The Best Blankets Made From Recycled Materials

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That comfy, oversized blanket from college that you still bring with you everywhere might not be the most eco-friendly.  It might be time to replace that old blanket with a sustainable blanket that’s better for you and the environment.

In this blog post, we explore the world of sustainable blankets made from recycled materials and organic fabrics. The blankets in our list are designed for all-weather, outdoor activities like backpacking, camping, hiking, and picnicking.

The best sustainable blankets made from recycled materials

Voited CloudTouch

Voited Sustainable Blankets

Voited creates sustainable blankets designed for indoor and outdoor use. The blankets are insulated, machine-washable, and constructed from recycled plastic bottles.  

The blanket fabric mimics the texture of genuine sheep’s wool, but weighs far less, is less bulky, and dries quickly. It’s also vegan-friendly. The 100% recycled polyester 50D Ripstop REPREVE®  fabric of the CloudTouch™ PillowBlanket gives it a lofty, plush feel. It’s also rip-resistant, stain-resistant and water-resistant.  The blanket can transform into a cushion, sleeping bag and a wearable cape.

RUMPL All-Weather Blankets

Best Rumpl Sustainable Blankets

Rumpl produces a line of eco-friendly blankets, and the Original Puffy Blanket is the company’s signature product. Each blanket is made from roughly 60 recycled plastic bottles. 

The Original Puffy Blanket is filled with synthetic insulation made entirely of post-consumer recycled materials. The blankets are made from the same high-tech materials as sleeping bags and puffy coats, which makes them not only warm but also water resistant and rip-proof.

REI Co-Op Camp Blankets

REI Co-Op Camp Blanket

Looking for a durable, comfortable, stylish, non-toxic, and machine-washable camping blanket? Look no further than the REI Co-op Camp Blanket. Made with bluesign®-approved materials which certifies that the fabric does not contain hazardous chemicals, the sustainable blanket is made with recycled polyester, which helps keep waste out of landfills and protects the health of humans and the environment. The REI blanket has a polyester front and a nylon top.

The soft shell has a durable water repellent (DWR) finish that keeps water, stains, pet hair, dirt, and other debris from sticking to it. The quilted design keeps the recycled polyester fiber insulation evenly distributed, so there are no cold spots. The blanket comes with a stuff sack that makes it easy to pack and carry. The REI Co-op Camp Blanket is a great piece of outdoor gear to have, whether you’re camping in the cold or just hanging out by the campfire.

ENO Spark Hammock Sustainable Quilt

Eno Spark Sustainable Blankets

Looking for a versatile, comfortable and weather-resistant top quilt for your hammock? Look no further than the ENO Spark Hammock Quilt. This quilt quickly converts to blanket or sleeping bag so you can stay toasty no matter your surroundings.

The dual-layer offset-quilted construction eliminates cold spots and ensures maximum loft, while the durable water repellent (DWR) finish and specialized coating provide wind and weather resistance. The quilt comfortably fits people up to 6′ 2″ so you can enjoy a cozy night’s sleep no matter your size.

Matador Sustainable Pocket Blankets

Matador Sustainable Pocket Blankets

The Matador Pocket Blanket lets you enjoy the outdoors without getting messy or wet. This blanket is made from superior ripstop fabric with a waterproof covering to keep you clean and dry. It fits 2 to 4 people and folds down to fit in your palm, making it ideal for camping, hiking, picnics, and more.

The Matador Pocket Blanket has improved waterproofing, corner stakes, materials, and a fresh design. Weighted corners and sand pockets assist keep the blanket in place. So enjoy the wonderful outdoors with the Matador Pocket Blanket.

Coalatree Kachula Adventure Sustainable Blankets

Coalatree Sustainable Blankets

The Kachula Adventure Blanket is made of 100 percent recycled soft-brushed nylon on one side and 100 percent recycled water-resistant ripstop nylon on the other. The smooth side is strong and easy to clean up spills, and the flannel side is soft and warm. It also has a hood that snaps on and turns it into a handy parka. Coalatree also makes one of our favorite hoodies made from recycled materials.

Poler Campforter

Poler Campforter

The Poler Campforter is a cross between a blanket and a comforter. It is filled with synthetic, water-resistant insulation made from recycled fibers. The soft synthetic microfiber fabric will keep you warm even when it’s very cold outside. The blanket can also transition from a comforter into a poncho without a hood.

Sackcloth & Ashes Sustainable Throw Blankets

Sackcloth Sustainable Blanket

The vintage-styled, eco-friendly Sackcloth & Ashes sustainable blanket is made from a recycled wool blend using a process that doesn’t use dyes, chemicals, or water.

FAQs

The importance of sustainability

Sustainability is an important aspect of our lives today. From food to fashion, there are many things we can do to make a positive impact on the environmentA good place to start is with home goods, which is why you should care about what type of blanket you use. Before you stock up on blankets, make sure you’re using fabrics that don’t harm the environment.

There are many different types of eco-friendly fabrics used to create sustainable blankets, including organic cotton, bamboo, recycled polyester and recycled fleece. These are also manufactured using environmentally friendly processes, without the use of toxic chemicals and dyes. 

What are eco-friendly blankets made of?

Eco-friendly fabrics are those that are safe for the environment because they are biodegradable, organically grown without pesticides and sustainably cultivated to use as little water as possible. 

Eco-friendly fabrics can also include those recycled from discarded materials. Popular eco-friendly textiles include organic cotton, recycled cotton, organic hemp, organic linen, organic bamboo, cork, lyocell and recycled polyester, just to name a few.

Sustainable fabrics

Many blankets feature chemicals and materials that are harmful to the environment. The list below highlights eco-friendly, sustainable fabrics to consider for your next blanket.

    • Responsibly Sourced ZQ Merino Wool. Merino sheep are believed to be the world’s oldest breed of sheep. Merino wool, famous for its fine, silky fiber, is regenerative, composed of proteins and amino acids, and biodegradable. ZQ Merino wool ensures that the sheep are handled properly, are not mulesed, and that the producer adheres to stringent social and environmental responsibility criteria.
    • Organic Hemp. Hemp is a versatile, fast-growing crop and can be used for a wide variety of purposes. It can be processed into blankets, paper, rope, textiles, clothing, biodegradable plastics, food, and animal feed, among other things. Industrial hemp differs from THC-rich cannabis in that it has a very low THC content (less than 0.3%).
    • Organic Bamboo. Bamboo textiles are constructed from fibers taken from bamboo trees. In recent years, bamboo fiber has become increasingly popular for use in textile and fashion applications. Bamboo fabric is usually viscose rayon, a material manufactured by dissolving bamboo cellulose and extruding it.
    • Organic Cotton.  Organic cotton is one of the most natural types of cloth. It is biodegradable, processed without the use of any chemicals, and it is farmed without the use of pesticides or fertilizers. It also has a low carbon footprint during production.
    • Silk. A great choice if you have allergies or need extra warmth. It’s a bit heavier than cotton, but it is also very soft and doesn’t trap heat like other fabrics. Plus, the process of harvesting silk from silkworms is relatively eco-friendly and sustainable.
    • Recycled Polyester. Often used to make synthetic fabrics, this textile is generated from recycling plastic bottles. It’s a great option if you need something water-resistant or easy to clean.

What are the best materials for a sustainable blanket?

Selecting the best blanket material depends on your needs. Recycled polyester is a fantastic low-cost alternative for water-resistant and rip proof outdoor blankets. Organic cotton is excellent for baby blankets and people with allergies. ZQ Merino wool is best for cold, wet weather.

Organic cotton, organic bamboo, organic linen, lyocell, and recycled polyester are some of the finest textiles for vegan blankets.

What makes a sustainable blanket?

    • Made without toxic chemicals: Sustainable blankets should be made with non-toxic materials that have not been treated or dyed with harmful chemicals.
    • Made with eco-friendly materials and manufacturing: Sustainable blanket should be crafted with sustainable materials such as organic cotton, Tencel, organic hemp, linen, and wool. When these naturally biodegradable fibers reach the end of their useful lives, they may be cleaned and disposed away without wreaking as much harm on the environment as synthetic fibers.
    • Made with fair trade labor: Before you purchase something, be sure that fair labor practices have been followed. Keep an eye out for companies who make transparency a priority and are willing to divulge the location of their manufacturing facilities, as well as certifications such as Fair Trade and SA8000.

Are wool blankets sustainable?

Wool is a sustainable option for a blanket material provided that it is acquired in a responsible manner and processed in a way that does not cause any harm to the sheep. 

Wool is a durable, biodegradable textile, made without petrochemicals and plastics. The production of wool also takes far less water and energy than the manufacture of cotton and synthetic fibers like polyester.

Is fleece eco friendly?

Fleece is not considered eco-friendly because every time it is washed, it sends tiny pieces of synthetic fibers into the water supply. These microfibers are especially dangerous because they are small enough to be eaten by fish and other animals.

Fleece is also usually made from nonrenewable resources and needs an extra chemical coating to make the fabric windproof and/or water resistant. This is not good for the environment.

Can cotton blankets be recycled?

There are many ways to recycle cotton blankets as an alternative to throwing them into a landfill.

  • Cut the blanket into small squares and use them as napkins or dish cloths.
  • If the blanket is cleaned and free of stains, donate to a charity like Goodwill or to an animal shelter. Do not donate dirty or stained blankets.
  • Redesign the blanket and sew it into an article of clothing or a sleeping bag.
  • Give them to a local recycling program – check in advance with your municipal recycle facility to make sure they accept cotton blankets.

What is the most breathable blanket fabric?

Cotton and hemp are two of the most breathable materials for blankets.

While many people consider cotton to be the most breathable fabric, the physical composition of hemp cloth makes it significantly more breathable. More air can move through the textile due to the interlaced hemp strands. Hemp is also far more permeable than cotton, allowing your body to breathe more easily during sleep.

Cotton’s absorbent characteristics enable it to drain moisture away from your body while also allowing air to flow through the fabric’s weave. This provides an all-natural mechanism that allows heat to easily escape from your body.

Final Thoughts

Blankets are a great way to keep warm during the chilly fall and winter months. In addition to being super comfortable, blankets can also be considered eco-friendly when made from sustainable fabrics. A good blanket should be warm and cozy, but also easy to clean and durable enough to last for years. When shopping for a new blanket, keep in mind that eco-friendly options are often more expensive. Fortunately, there are many ways to make your current blanket more sustainable. Hopefully, by now you understand why a sustainable blanket is the key to keeping your favorite softie and maintaining an eco-friendly home at the same time.

For more content on products made from recycled materials, see the articles below:

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