What if your late-night college party cup could one day keep you warm? That’s exactly what Lauren Choi, an engineering student and founder of The New Norm Collective, is making happen. She’s turning discarded red Solo cups into stylish sweaters and beanies without the problem of microplastic shedding.

The cups are shredded and transformed into filament yarn, which is then used in 3D knitting machines. Unlike traditional spinning, this method creates whole garments without scraps or fibers breaking off in the wash. Even the colors are natural, pulled straight from the cups themselves, resulting in soft pastels like blue, pink, and yellow without a drop of dye.

The sweaters, priced between $45 and $85, often sell out quickly, proving eco-fashion can be just as in-demand as fast fashion. Choi is now working with larger companies to test durability and scale production.