TRANSFORM YOUR MATERIALS
Have surplus textiles, banners, vinyl, deadstock, or dormant inventory? We help turn unused materials into useful products and measurable impact.
Case Studies & Impact
Proof that recovered materials can create measurable value
Public Thread helps partners turn surplus textiles, billboard vinyl, deadstock, and dormant inventory into useful sewn goods, product systems, and tangible impact.
Impact at a glance
The work, measured
These are just a few of the figures that showcase the true impact you can have when working with recovered materials.
These figures are the culmination partnerships, human hours working towards impact, awareness and change.
16.8tons
Materials diverted
16.8 tons of text waste that was recovered in 2024 alone.
10,000+
Products created
Sample finished-product figure.
24
Active Partnerships
Textile recovery, product development and ongoing support.
92%
Recovered content
The average recovered textile content per product.
Material data matrix
What moved back into use
Below you can select a textile or material to see the stats, typical product
33,600pounds recovered
68%of tracked material
12,400lbs recovered
Upholstery Textiles
These materials are typically brand new on the roll and were part of a large production run that created excess.
Typical sourceFurniture manufacturing
What it becameBags, small goods, home goods & more
49%of tracked material
8,900lbs recovered
Billboard Vinyl & Banners
This material has a typical lifespan of 3 months before it is sent to the landfill. Our products bring new life and the continuation of its story.
Typical sourceAdvertising partners
What it becameBags & small goods
40%of tracked material
7,300lbs recovered
Clothing & Apparel
The bulk of these items are pieces that could not be sold and have historically been shipped overseas only to become waste.
Typical sourceSecondhand resale shops
What it becameStuffing, insulation & sound board.
28%of tracked material
5,000lbs recovered
Deadstock, Leather & Mixed Textiles
Add context about the material, its condition, recovery process, and why it mattered.
Typical sourceFootwear, furniture & automotive
What it becameBags, Home goods,
A system designed to scale
Growth over time
Recent reporting periods. Each chart expands to showcase specific key points for transparency and clarity.
5.2tons
2022
Uptick In Growth
View details +
2022
Uptick In Growth
View details +What changed this period
2022 saw a number of new partners with slightly smaller
10.4tons
2023
Another strong showing
View details +
2023
Another strong showing
View details +What changed this period
Both our corporate and institutional partnerships have seen strong periods of growth and we continue build a stronger circular economy.
16.8tons
2024
Impact is Growing
View details +
2024
Impact is Growing
View details +What changed this period
One of our biggest years of impact, diverting and recovering textiles from landfills.
21.5tons
2025
Global Policy Impact
View details +
2025
Global Policy Impact
View details +What changed this period
2025 presented some challenges that echoed into Public Thread as we saw our corporate partners impacted by global tariffs and political policy.
Explore the potential
What could your material become?
This interactive estimator can help you picture possible scale. All conversion factors are presented as estimates. Each project is unique and we will assess you project with you personally.
Illustrative estimate only. Actual yield depends on material condition, product design, cutting efficiency, and production requirements.
0items
Estimated products
Illustrative product yield.
0lbs
Usable material
Estimated usable material.
0hrs
Production hours
Illustrative labor requirement.
Impact in practice
Every material stream has a different path
These expandable key points showcase some of Public Threads key impact points.
01Corporate recoverySurplus brand materials become useful products+
Banners, and other dormant inventory are assessed and developed into practical sewn goods for teams, events, gifting, or resale.
- Material
- Banners, off-cuts, and dormant inventory
- Outcome
- Bags, pouches, cases, and event goods
- Impact
- 16.8 tons diverted
02Billboard and vinylLarge format materials become durable carry goods+
Weather resistant materials are cleaned, cut, and reworked into products that preserve visible texture and story.
- Material
- Billboard vinyl and promotional banners
- Outcome
- Totes, seating, cases, and carry goods
- Impact
- 2,100 products created (sample)
03Material led developmentThe material shapes the product direction+
Product concepts are developed around the material’s strength, format, available volume, and production realities.
- Material
- Recovered textiles and upholstery offcuts
- Outcome
- Concepts, samples, and repeatable product systems
- Impact
- 94% recovered content (sample)
Partner Context
The best case studies connect material recovery to business, brand, and community value
Public Thread works across corporate, institutional, and community material streams. These examples show how recovery, product development, and production can create practical value for partners and the people they serve.
Start a Project
Have a material stream with potential?
Tell us what materials, products, or impact goals you are working with. We’ll help determine the right path from recovery opportunity to useful finished goods.
