A remarkable college engineering student is gaining attention for her innovative clothing line, which transforms discarded red solo cups from fraternity parties into cozy sweaters and stylish beanie caps. This inspiring endeavor not only tackles recycling challenges but also breathes new life into materials that are often deemed difficult to repurpose.

Red solo cups, produced by well-known brands like Solo and Hefty, have become synonymous with American celebrations. However, their unique plastic composition makes them a challenge for recycling facilities to process effectively. Fortunately, Lauren Choi, a bright engineering graduate from Johns Hopkins University, has found a fantastic solution through her venture, the New Normal Collective.

With a passion for sustainable fashion ignited during her studies, Lauren was able to secure grant funding after graduating in 2020, allowing her to purchase an extruder machine capable of converting shredded plastic cups into thread. Before this breakthrough, she even dedicated time in her parents' garage to build a similar machine, showing her commitment to her vision.

Collaboration played a crucial role in her journey, as Choi partnered with two other engineering colleges to develop a non-toxic, natural material that would transform the initially uncomfortable plastic thread into soft, knit-ready yarn. With her supply chain now established in North Carolina and Virginia, shredded cups are skillfully turned into yarn and sent to a facility in Brooklyn. Here, a 3D knitting machine creates the beautiful sweaters and beanies featured in the New Norm collection, using filament yarn that ensures both comfort and sustainability.

This innovative filament yarn has significant advantages over traditional spun yarn, which can contribute to microplastic pollution each time it is washed. Thanks to the 3D knitting process, which produces entire garments without fabric scraps, the environmental impact is further minimized. Choi explains, "3D knitting has a lot less waste compared to traditional cut-and-sew, where many fabric scraps are wasted. Instead, our pieces are knit straight out of the machine without any seams – it’s just one full garment that doesn’t need additional sewing."

Adding to the charm of her products, no artificial dyes are used in the manufacturing process. The delightful pastel colors of yellow, green, blue, and pink come directly from the recycled cups, creating a unique aesthetic for each piece.

The New Norm's collection has garnered such demand that product releases occasionally sell out within hours, generating impressive revenue. This success has motivated Choi to explore new business opportunities, and she is currently conducting trials with several prominent firms to assess the strength and durability of her innovative thread.

With sweaters priced between $45 and $85, Lauren Choi's vision not only promotes sustainability but also exemplifies the power of creativity and ingenuity in fashion. Her inspiring story is a wonderful reminder of how one person's dedication can lead to a positive impact on the environment and the community.