Scaling Circular Textiles in Europe

Q1. Could you start by giving us a brief overview of your professional background, particularly focusing on your expertise in the industry?

I am a Textile engineer with 8 years of experience as an R&D manager for a textile recycling group. My background includes 3 years at a French Institute, where I worked on textile recycling, eco-design, and down and upcycling projects, and 2 years in a French cluster focused on recycling projects.

Q2. How is the textile-to-textile recycling landscape evolving in Europe, and what role do sorting, pre-processing, and fiber-blending challenges play in scalability?

For the moment, the textile-to-textile recycling landscape is evolving slowly. However, the ERP system and regulations enable it to evolve, even if technology is not sufficient to enhance the incorporation of recycled textiles.

Q3. What role are regional or national regulations playing in driving recycling infrastructure deployment?

They push retailers and brands on circularity, especially in France and the Netherlands. However, other countries are also working hard, as the EC will implement the ERP system soon.

Q4. Are there signs of successful collaboration between fashion brands, recyclers, and technology providers to create closed-loop systems with guaranteed feedstock and offtake?

Not so much. Some initiatives, such…