Recycling

Why is depolymerisation of post-consumer textile waste in Europe not scaling up? A report discusses the issue at length and suggests coordinated action by policy and industry on ten interdependent levers that should be activated together to reach a tipping point.

Nonprofit WRAP has warned that if the UK’s used textiles sector goes under, charities, local authorities and consumers will have to pay the cost of dealing with unwanted used textiles.

The leitmotif across panels and presentations at the just-concluded 19th edition of the Textile ETP Annual Conference in the Spanish city of Alcoy was unmistakable: the textile sector is hungry for specifics. Companies—large and small—are calling for clearer guidelines, harmonised standards, and structured pathways to circularity and digital transition.

The holy city of Makkah will soon recycle the ihrams or the two white drapes worn by male pilgrims as part of the overall goal to circularise the textile value chain and reduce carbon emissions to propel the country toward its Vision 2030 for a vibrant and sustainable future.

Researchers at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln have developed a patent-pending first-of-its-kind technology for fibre-to-fibre or chemical recycling that effectively eliminates dyes, distinguishes between natural and synthetic blends, and produces high-quality fibres in a procedure which is economically viable and scalable.

The Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles (SMART) Association works towards strengthening economic opportunities by promoting the interdependence of the for-profit textile recycling industry segments and provides a common forum for networking, education and advocacy. SMART President Brian London dwells at length on the second-hand clothing waste and global trade.

The world needs systems, not islands — scaling circularity means scaling integration. At the just-concluded 4th Sustainable & Circular Textiles, Apparel & Footwear event in Brussels, the call was clear: circularity won’t happen by chance—it takes bold collaboration and aligned action across the value chain. The conversations were honest, the momentum real but with an underlying message that was consistent: circularity requires clarity.

If you are into innovative uses for cellulose-based textile waste obtained from upcycling cotton-polyester blended garments, then The Mills Fabrica Innovation Challenge is for you. Last date of application is 20 June 2025.

A Dutch coalition of brands from across industries and with a combined annual turnover of ten billion euros has urged the government to take immediate action to accelerate the circular economy in the Netherlands.

Pakistan can transform its textile recycling industry, reduce environmental impact, enhance economic growth, and position itself as a leader in sustainable textile production by addressing the various challenges and leveraging opportunities, that will not only benefit the domestic economy but also align the country with global sustainability trends, ensuring long-term competitiveness, says a new report.