Recover Brands introduces sustainable line, upcycling program to UCLA Store at Ackerman Union
Through the collaboration with Recover Brands, Bruins will now be able to donate old T-shirts to be upcycled, as well as shop the licensed UCLA apparel made from recycled materials.
Los Angeles, Calif., Feb. 23, 2026 – The latest UCLA Store collection introduces new vendor partner Recover Brands to the campus flagship, bringing new collegiate styles with a purpose. With sustainability at Recover’s core, the collaboration launches Feb. 23 and features a limited-edition UCLA collection of recycled apparel, along with the establishment of a new T-shirt recycling program. Founded in 2010, Recover Brands manufactures and licenses sustainable apparel by repurposing recycled cotton and plastic in a process that utilizes 99% less water and 95% less energy than conventional garments. As blue and gold make green, the UCLA Store is proud to support Recover’s sustainability mission with 10 new items that have been repurposed into high-quality, low-impact apparel.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with the UCLA Store and this world-class institution to provide students, parents, alumni, staff and fans with products that support our planet and deliver on our mission of ‘Helping Earth Recover,’” said Bill Johnston, Recover Brands founder/president.
In addition, the UCLA Store is participating in Recover Brands’ T-shirt recycling program to help divert clothing from landfills. Bruins can now drop off old or unused polyester or cotton T-shirts or sweatshirts at the main BearWear department in the UCLA Store on B-Level in Ackerman Union. Donated items will be sorted, broken down and reused to create new Recover Brands gear through a textile recycling system.
“This program exemplifies ASUCLA’s longstanding commitment to greater sustainability on the UCLA campus,” said Peter Poon, UCLA Store director.
Bringing year-round sustainable products to the store, Recover is also bringing its “One Tee = One Tree” promotion to campus throughout the month of April, Earth Month. Through it ongoing partnership with Arbor Day Foundation, Recover will proudly plant one tree for every single Recover item purchased between April 1-30 so Bruins can have an immediate positive impact on the planet with each purchase.
Stay up to date on the UCLA Store, a Student-Run Enterprise of Associated Students UCLA (ASUCLA), and Recover Brands by following @uclastore on Instagram.
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About Recover Brands
Founded in 2010, Recover is a sustainable apparel company on a mission to “Help the Earth Recover by outfitting everyone with apparel and gear for the biggest positive impact possible”. Pioneering the sustainable textiles industry, Recover specializes in manufacturing its responsibly made apparel and gear from 100% recycled materials or 100% USDA Certified Organic Cotton. Recover utilizes a unique manufacturing process of repurposing recycled cotton and recycled plastic into high-quality, low-impact apparel and accessories. This environmentally responsible process also utilizes 99% less water and 95% less energy as a conventional garment and drastically reduces carbon emissions from unnecessary global transportation.
About ASUCLA:
Founded in 1919, Associated Students UCLA (ASUCLA) is a nonprofit association that drives vitally essential student services and activities throughout the UCLA campus. ASUCLA boasts the largest college store in the U.S., an extensive food program, UCLA® brand licensing programming through UCLA Trademarks & Licensing, and other services and programs that include student government and student media, which significantly enhances the quality of UCLA’s campus life. For more information and to stay connected, follow @asucla on Instagram or visit asucla.ucla.edu.
