Lauren Choi, an engineering student at Johns Hopkins University, has transformed non-recyclable red Solo cups into wearable textiles, founding a sustainable fashion brand called The New Norm. 

From Party Cups to Fashion Statements 

In 2019, during her senior year, Choi led a team that built an extruder machine capable of converting plastic waste into textile filaments. Collaborating with campus fraternities, they collected thousands of red Solo cups, which are notoriously difficult to recycle due to the type of plastic they’re made from. 

Overcoming Challenges 

Initially, the fabric produced had a brittle, plastic feel, unsuitable for clothing. Seeking expertise, Choi partnered with Gaston College’s Textile Technology Center and the Polymers Center in North Carolina. Together, they developed a custom formula to produce soft, wearable textiles. 

Sustainable Production 

The New Norm employs 3D knitting technology, which reduces waste compared to traditional cut-and-sew methods. The garments are knit directly from the machine without seams, minimizing fabric scraps. Additionally, the use of filament yarns, made from continuous filaments rather than spun fibers, reduces the shedding of microplastics.

Growth and Future Plans 

Since its inception, The New Norm has expanded production from tens of pounds per run to thousands. Choi, currently pursuing an MBA at MIT, aims to scale the business and collaborate with large brands to address the global plastic crisis. The company is undergoing pilots with major brands, testing the strength and durability of the yarn.