Advanced Textile Recycling Initiatives

The challenge is enormous

Goodwill and Reju have partnered with WM to launch a multi-year initiative focused on advancing textile recycling in North America. This collaboration aims to develop a regional model for the "collection, sorting, reuse, and recycling of textiles, specifically targeting the diversion of nonwearable materials from landfills." The project builds on previous research funded by the Walmart Foundation, which assessed the fiber composition of unsold textiles and explored methods to transform them into recyclable feedstock.

Reju, a company owned by Technip Energies, is leveraging technology developed from IBM research to create infrastructure for scaling the regeneration of textile waste, starting with polyester. Notably, 'Reju Polyester' is expected to have a "50% lower carbon footprint than virgin polyester and can be regenerated infinitely." Likewise, in September, Reju opened its first demonstration facility, 'Regeneration Hub Zero,' in Frankfurt, Germany, with plans to produce Reju PET by 2025. This initiative along with future projects, aims to foster a more sustainable textile recycling ecosystem.

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