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Author: admin2018

Process Engineer (m-w-d)

Written by admin2018 on . Posted in Careers.

Circular Recycling of Mixed-Textiles to Polyester (PET) and Cellulose at Worn Again

About Worn Again   Worn Again was born out of a vision to eliminate textile waste and create a world where resources are kept in a constant cycle. Challenge: Thousands of tons of textiles still end up in landfills and combustion plants worldwide every year. Currently, less than 1% of used textiles are recycled, but demand is increasing. Solution Our cutting-edge recycling technology can separate, clean and extract polyester and cotton from end-of-life textiles and polyester packaging to produce virgin polyester and cotton. Information can be found at www.wornagain.ch Role   Worn Again is looking for a process engineer to drive the process development and engineering as well as construction of our new demonstration plant in Winterthur. After the successful commissioning further process development and scale-up of the process to commercial scale is the target. Profile  You should enjoy working in an international dynamic team and have a flexible, creative and collaborative approach to problem solving. You look forward to independently planning, organising and executing projects on time and on budget. You should bring the appropriate skillset:
  • Master’s Degree in Chemical or Process Engineering or comparable
  • 5+ years of experience in a process engineering position
  • Operational experience within the chemical industries or oil and gas
  • Fluent English and German language skills
  • Experience in Switzerland is a plus
Benefits
  • Enjoy flexible working hours and flat hierarchies with concise decision-making paths
  • Be part of the revolutionary change in textile recycling
  • Competitive salary package and stock options from Worn Again
Working time 100% position A work permit in Switzerland is required for this position. Start date and location January 2024 in Winterthur, Schweiz Information and application to  jobs@wornagain.co.uk

Worn Again Technologies is continuing to enable a Circular Economy for Switzerland.

Written by admin2018 on . Posted in , Press Release.

 

In partnership with Institut für Werkstofftechnik und Kunststoffverarbeitung (IWK), Worn Again, Sulzer and others have succeeded in their joint bid for grant funding from Innosuisse, the Swiss Innovation Agency.

The flagship project, called “Towards a NetZero Plastics Industry”, will create a platform for Swiss companies to foster collaboration and drive systemic change within the plastics industry to achieve a sustainable future. Worn Again’s contribution will be focussed on a specific upcycling pathway, converting used textiles into a higher-grade PET which is ideally suited to an important Swiss manufacturing sector, technical parts,

The project, which will start in January 2024 and run through 2028, aligns with Worn Again’s plans to bring online it’s demonstration chemical recycling plant in Winterthur. Worn Again will produce PET for application testing within Sulzer Chemtech’s technology to convert the raw material into advanced foams, and within various injection moulding technologies at IWK’s facility. This activity will be underpinned by ongoing assessment of climate benefits which will feed into a digital decarbonisation tool that IWK will develop for dissemination to Swiss manufacturers.

Toby Moss, Director of Business Development said: “We want to use our demo plant and develop the surrounding value chain as a blueprint for building out the Circular Economy globally. Our clients want our technology to deliver environmental benefit and generate value. In addition to our core fibre-to-fibre offering, by enabling non-textile outcomes for Worn Again’s circular products, our clients can leverage their plants to maximise both outcomes.”

Worn Again, Sulzer and others have already established the Swiss Textile Recycling Ecosystem. This project will create additional mechanisms for these companies to contribute to a circular economy in Switzerland and as a potential blueprint for expanding this new value chain elsewhere.

Worn Again Technologies will support ACT UK by bringing its recycling know-how and through the use of its 1,000 tonne per year demonstration plant based in Winterthur, Switzerland.

Worn Again Technologies

Worn Again is the catalyst of a true circular economy for textiles, believing that the only way forward is through better, profitable processes. Worn Again has led the industry for years with a dedicated team of innovators, moving the industry in a new direction in partnership with retailers, manufacturers, and innovators who share Worn Again’s commitment to sustainable materials—and sustainable business growth.

Worn Again’s innovative chemical recycling process reclaims virgin-quality products and returns them to the supply chain. Its scalable process—developed through investment, research, and dedication—allows textile manufacturers to separate and decontaminate PET resin and cellulose from end-of-life textiles. Worn Again enables plant operators to become an essential part of the textile industry’s future, producing superior materials for manufacturers across multiple industries and becoming a solution for an economically fractured part of the supply chain.

With reliable access to reclaimed, virgin-quality synthetic and natural materials, manufacturers can authentically offer high-quality, sustainably made options to their retail buyers. Worn Again guides its partners into the future with a profitable business built around large-scale textile recycling. Everyone, from manufacturers to consumers, will be able to contribute to reducing waste. Within a truly circular economy, everyone helps protect the planet from the mistakes of the past.

Techno-economic Analysis (m-w-d)

Written by admin2018 on . Posted in Careers.

Circular Recycling of Mixed-Textiles to Polyester (PET) and Cellulose at Worn Again

About Worn Again   Worn Again was born out of a vision to eliminate textile waste and create a world where resources are kept in a constant cycle. Challenge: Thousands of tons of textiles still end up in landfills and combustion plants worldwide every year. Currently, less than 1% of used textiles are recycled, but demand is increasing. Solution Our cutting-edge recycling technology can separate, clean and extract polyester and cotton from end-of-life textiles and polyester packaging to produce virgin polyester and cotton. Information can be found at www.wornagain.ch Role   Worn Again is looking for a concept study / techno-economic analysis of the actual planned supply method (pressed textile bales) against the usage of small, pressed textile blocks (Briquettes) Target Compare the needed process from densifying (baling / briquetting) at the supplier up to the de-densifying at the WA recycling plant and elaborate the potential cost efficiency of briquettes vs. bales
  1. Technical need / solutions for the two supply methods
  2. cost comparison of the two supply methods
  3. conclusion, may also deepening on
Profile   You should be a student in the fields of management, logistic, engineering or similar, open for new challenges in an international dynamic team and have the appropriate skillset:
  • flexible, creative and collaborative approach to problem-solving
  • good knowledge of MS office package
  • Fluent English and German language skills
  • Willing to travel for needed test in the EU, UK and Switzerland
Benefits
  • Enjoy flexible working hours and flat hierarchies with concise decision-making paths
  • Be part of the revolutionary change in textile recycling
  • Competitive salary package and stock options from Worn Again
Working time
  • Min. 6 month, detail can be agreed on
Start date and location January 2024 in Winterthur, Schweiz Information and application to  jobs@wornagain.co.uk

Control Engineer (m-w-d)

Written by admin2018 on . Posted in Careers.

Circular Recycling of Mixed-Textiles to Polyester (PET) and Cellulose at Worn Again

About Worn Again   Worn Again was born out of a vision to eliminate textile waste and create a world where resources are kept in a constant cycle. Challenge: Thousands of tons of textiles still end up in landfills and combustion plants worldwide every year. Currently, less than 1% of used textiles are recycled, but demand is increasing. Solution Our cutting-edge recycling technology can separate, clean and extract polyester and cotton from end-of-life textiles and polyester packaging to produce virgin polyester and cotton. Information can be found at www.wornagain.ch Role   Worn Again is looking for a control engineer who will take responsibility of the plant (Siemens) control systems and leading the automation of our new demonstration plant in Winterthur. Profile   You should enjoy working in an international dynamic team and have the appropriate skillset:
  • Master’s degree in electrical engineering, automation engineering, process control engineering, or equivalent.
  • 5+ years of experience in controlling and automating complex processes, especially in chemical or related fields
  • A flexible, creative and collaborative approach to problem-solving
  • The ability to work independently, meet project deadlines, and a strong appetite for learning.
  • Fluent English and German language skills
  • Experience in Switzerland is a plus
Benefits
  • Enjoy flexible working hours and flat hierarchies with concise decision-making paths
  • Be part of the revolutionary change in textile recycling
  • Competitive salary package and stock options from Worn Again
Working time
  • 100% position
  • A work permit in Switzerland is required for this position.
Start date and location January 2024 in Winterthur, Schweiz Information and application to  jobs@wornagain.co.uk

Worn Again Technologies joins pivotal alliance to advance a circular, waste-free textile future

Written by admin2018 on . Posted in News, , Press Release.

 

Worn Again Technologies, a pioneer in the true circular economy for textiles, has announced its membership of the newly formed Alliance of Textile Chemical Recyclers (ACTR). Spearheaded by Accelerating Circularity, this partnership aligns perfectly with Worn Again Technologies’ mission to repurpose waste materials back into the supply chain, signaling a shift away from the old-fashioned linear textile industry.

The ACTR aims to provide the textile industry with accurate information on textile chemical recycling through a unified voice. The association aims to meet these goals through educational, outreach and engagement opportunities, with the first step being the introduction of a dictionary of common terms to educate the industry on the chemical recycling of textiles.

Collaborating with other leaders in the field, Worn Again Technologies and its fellow members are committed to delivering sustainable initiatives. These include advocating for chemical recycling solutions to reduce the volume of textile waste directed to landfills and incinerators, ensuring a supply of sustainably sourced, circular materials and assisting brands and retailers in reducing their CO2 footprints.

Worn Again Technologies is at the forefront of the creation of a sustainable textiles industry with its chemical recycling technologies. A testament to this commitment is the development of its state-of-the-art textile recycling demo plant in Winterthur, Switzerland. This facility, designed to divert up to 1,000 tons of textiles annually from incineration, showcases its closed-loop chemical recycling technology aligning with ACTR’s goal to drive awareness about how this process can benefit the textile industry.

“We formed this collective to move chemical recycling technology forward, share common definitions, and address policies in a collaborative way to maximize the elimination of textile waste to landfills and incineration” explained Karla Magruder, Founder and President of Accelerating Circularity. “Chemical recycling technology has many benefits, including quality more similar to virgin fiber and the ability to recycle multiple times.”

Erik Koep, CEO at Worn Again Technologies, commented: “Becoming a member of the ACTR underscores our commitment to revolutionizing the textile industry. The potential of chemical recycling is vast, promising end products with quality akin to virgin fibers and the opportunity for further reuse. As leading experts in the chemical recycling of textiles, we bring technical know-how that will help drive impactful outreach activities across the industry. Together, we’re not just imagining a world without textile waste, we’re actively helping to build it.”

A person is standing in an indoor environment, holding a cardboard box with a green recycle symbol on it.

Worn Again Technologies draws closer to full textile circularity

Written by admin2018 on . Posted in News, , Press Release.

 

Worn Again Technologies is helping to evolve the supply chain of feedstocks needed for the development of a global, circular and more sustainable textile industry by participating in an innovative end-of-use material sorting initiative. As part of the UK-based Autosort for Circular Textiles Demonstrator (ACT UK) project, the chemical recycling technology innovator will provide input and insights into the needs of processors as the industry is reshaped. In effect, an end-to-end approach to the collection, sorting, pre-processing and recycling of textiles will enable the transition to a cost-effective and efficient scale up of industrial scale textile recycling plants.

The £4 million ACT UK project is led by the UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT) with close involvement of Circle-8 Textile Ecosystems. It aims to design and carry out trials for the development of a pioneering, fully integrated, automated sorting and pre-processing system for non-rewearable clothing in the UK. This represents a crucial step in enabling post-use collectors and sorters to supply high volume, quality feedstock for fibre-to-fibre recycling, turning end-of-use textiles into valuable and circular resources.

As a leading expert in chemical recycling, Worn Again Technologies will support ACT UK by bringing its recycling know-how and through the use of its 1,000 tonne per year demonstration plant based in Winterthur, Switzerland. The result of this collaboration will act as a blueprint for the creation of fully integrated, automated sorting and pre-processing facility at commercial scale able to supply high volume feedstock to mechanical and chemical recycling plants.

Erik Koep, CEO at Worn Again Technologies, comments: “Zero waste strategies can be successful only when the entire supply and value chains work together to embrace cost-effective, efficient and circular material management. Being part of the ACT UK project is a strategic step in this direction and we are excited to be part of this initiative. This collaboration will help align sustainability efforts across the global textile industry, supporting the scaling up of comprehensive solutions for circularity.”   

Worn Again Technologies will support ACT UK by bringing its recycling know-how and through the use of its 1,000 tonne per year demonstration plant based in Winterthur, Switzerland.

About Worn Again Technologies

Worn Again Technologies was founded in East London in 2005, with a vision to eradicate textile waste. Since 2012, the company has been in development of a unique polymer recycling technology which separates, decontaminates and extracts polyester and cellulose (from cotton) from non-reusable textiles. The dual PET and cellulose outputs can be reintroduced into supply chains to become new fibre, textiles and products as part of a continual cycle.

The regenerative recycling technology is being brought to life by an expert team and strategic partners who have a shared ambition of creating a circular textiles industry. The company has valued strategic investors including Sulzer Chemtech (global market leader in innovative mass transfer, static mixing and polymer solutions for petrochemicals, refining and LNG), Oerlikon (leading materials and surface solutions provider), Mexico-based Himes Corporation (a garment manufacturer) and Directex (a textiles producer), as well as the support of influential brands and partners, such as Kering, ASICS Europe, Sympatex, Dibella and Dhana.

In November 2017, Worn Again Technologies was invited to become part of the Fashion for Good scaling programme. In 2019, Worn Again Technologies received the ANDAM Innovation Prize, the PCIAW Outstanding Contribution to the Textile Industry and the ‘One to Watch’ at the Global Good Awards. In 2019, the company’s Founder, Cyndi Rhoades, was also a finalist for The Circular Economy Awards Leadership award.

Worn Again Technologies is also a signatory and key contributor to the UNFCCC Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action.

About ACT UK

ACT UK brings together a consortium of recycling technologies, textile collectors/sorters, academia, manufacturers, industry associations, technologists and brands/retailers, supported with funding from Innovate UK. It is part of a broader Circular Fashion Programme supported by Innovate UK, the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), all part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

Led by the UKFT with close involvement of Circle-8 Textile Ecosystems, current project partners include IBM, Marks & Spencer, Tesco, Pangaia, Reskinned, Salvation Army, Oxfam, Textile Recycling International, New Look, Shred Station, Worn Again Technologies, English Fine Cottons, Alex Begg, Camira, Manufacturing Technology Centre, University of Leeds, University of Huddersfield, Textile Recycling Association and WRAP.

Weaving a network of circularity

Written by admin2018 on . Posted in News, , Press Release.

 The creation of Swiss Textile Recycling Ecosystem marks a key milestone in the upscaling of Worn Again Technologies’ recycling process technology.

Worn Again Technologies initiates Swiss Textile Recycling Ecosystem

Worn Again Technologies (WAT) has announced the launch of the Swiss Textile Recycling Ecosystem. Bringing together key industry players across the entire textile value chain, the initiative will support the creation of a circular economy based on Worn Again Technologies’ innovative polymer recycling technology.

Bringing together key industry players across the entire textile value chain, the initiative will support the creation of a circular economy based on Worn Again Technologies’ innovative polymer recycling technology.

To cause a paradigm shift in the fashion industry and realize true circularity requires all members of the value chain to be on the same page and working towards the same goals. The Swiss Textile Recycling Ecosystem is a network comprising fabric and textile manufacturers, waste collectors and sorters, as well as retailers, brand owners and technology providers. All these parties will cooperate to make their shared sustainability vision for the sector a reality.

The partners will provide different types of textile waste to Worn Again Technologies’ demonstration plant, which will process 1’000 tonnes of material per year and is being built near the WAT’s technology scale-up partner, Sulzer Chemtech. After advanced chemical processing, virgin-like recycled fibers, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and cellulose, will be provided to the same industry players to produce new high-quality fabrics.

More precisely, the consortium will be composed of WAT’s main shareholders, Sulzer, Oerlikon and H&M Group. In addition, Rieter will support short-staple spinning, Monosuisse will take care of PET fiber production, Coop will act as retailer, TEXAID will manage collection, sorting and provide feedstock together with Sallmann (ISA) and Serge Ferrari – all coordinated by Swiss Textiles.

The creation of Swiss Textile Recycling Ecosystem marks a key milestone in the upscaling of Worn Again Technologies’ recycling process technology. It also supports its ambition to create a circular economy where non-reusable, hard-to-recycle textiles can be reintroduced into supply chains to become new fibers, textiles and other products.

The construction of Worn Again Technologies’ first demonstration plant will start this year in Winterthur, Switzerland. This represents a crucial step towards upscaling and commercializing the company’s recycling process technology.

Erik Koep, CEO at Worn Again Technologies, comments: “Launching the Swiss Textile Recycling Ecosystem is a vision coming true. This leading group of likeminded organizations will help to shift the fashion industry from traditional, linear product lifecycle models to eco-conscious, circular material management. We believe that zero waste strategies can only become a reality if the entire sector is committed to acting as a whole. We see the Ecosystem as a way to align sustainability efforts across the whole textile value chain and as the next step towards a green fashion industry.”

Torsten Wintergerste, Chairman of Worn Again Technologies and Division President at Sulzer Chemtech, adds: “We look forward to working together with all members of the Swiss Textile Recycling Ecosystem. Their support is extremely valuable and their trust in our project is much appreciated. The Ecosystem members will support our textile recycling demonstration facility by providing textile waste that can be used as feedstock. The collaboration will also play a key role in scaling up our capabilities and building a network to support the implementation of industrial-scale plants globally.”

The Swiss Textile Recycling Ecosystem is a network comprising fabric and textile manufacturers, waste collectors and sorters, as well as retailers, brand owners and technology providers.

The circular textile economy is rapidly approaching

Written by admin2018 on . Posted in News, , Press Release.

Worn Again Technologies has announced plans to build a new textile recycling demo plant in Winterthur Switzerland.

Worn Again Technologies announces plans to build a new textile recycling demo plant in Winterthur Switzerland

Worn Again Technologies is in the final planning stages of an innovative demonstration plant that will showcase its ground-breaking polymer processing technologies for textile recycling. The facility, which will be built and operated by the company, is to be constructed in Winterthur, Switzerland and will have the capacity to prevent 1’000 tonnes of textiles being incinerated every year, paving the way for industrial-scale operations. The pilot plant will showcase Worn Again’s ground-breaking polymer processing technologies for textile recycling.

Worn Again Technologies’ demonstration plant will be constructed near to one of the startup’s technology partners, Sulzer Chemtech, in Winterthur, Switzerland. This represents a crucial step towards upscaling and commercializing the company’s recycling process technology.

In particular, the new industrial-scale infrastructure will help validate the closed-loop chemical recycling solution that has been developed by Worn Again Technologies and its strategic partners. The process obtains polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and cellulose from non-reusable, hard-to-recycle textiles that constitute post-industrial and post-consumer waste. Additionally, the Worn Again Technologies process purifies the products by removing dyes, contaminants and impurities, a step forward from traditional recycling methods. As such, it delivers high-quality, virgin-like materials that can be reintroduced into supply chains to become new fibers, textiles and other products.

Erik Koep, CEO at Worn Again Technologies, comments: “We are excited to be taking the next step in making reliable, high-performance textile recycling a reality. The construction and operation of this demonstration plant are the next major milestones in achieving our vision for textile circularity. We look forward to starting operations soon and see this as the first plant in a global network of processing facilities.”

Torsten Wintergerste, Chairman of Worn Again Technologies, adds: “We are delighted to see our technologies being leveraged to create a state-of-the-art textile recycling plant. Building it in Switzerland gives Worn Again Technologies direct access to Sulzer Chemtech’s global R&D facilities and the Swiss textile industry. We will build an ecosystem of partners around this demo plant and drive forward the creation of a circular economy of textiles. Switzerland is an ideal location for Worn Again to realize the demonstration plant with all stakeholders in the shortest time period possible.”

The plant will have the capacity to prevent 1’000 tonnes of textiles being incinerated every year, paving the way for industrial-scale operations.

Embedding circularity

Written by admin2018 on . Posted in News, , Press Release.

An energy-from-waste plant with an outdoor sports center on its roof, Amager Bakke is an inspiration to WAT, as it is integrated into the urban ecosystem. (Credit photo Copenhill Hufton&Crow / ARC)

Worn Again Technologies builds on its ambition to develop textile recycling plants integrated into the urban ecosystem.

Worn Again Technologies (WAT) and its strategic partners gathered in Copenhagen to discuss the next steps towards building modern polymer recycling facilities for textiles. Drawing on inspiration from Amager Bakke, an energy-from-waste plant with an outdoor sports center on its roof, the organization aims to engage communities and change perceptions around manufacturing, both environmentally and culturally. During the two-day event, attendees visited Amager Bakke, also known as Copenhill. After completing extensive feasibility and pilot scale tests, as well as laying out its future vision of the textile recycling industry, Worn Again Technologies is getting closer to building its first full-scale plant. The technology relies on innovative polymer separation and purification technologies to turn non-reusable, hard to recycle polyester and cotton fiber blends into new, high-quality materials for making new textiles. The two-day gathering enabled a compelling exchange of insights and ideas between WAT management and strategic partners. The aim is to shift the paradigm and perception from isolated recycling plants to social architectural landmarks engaged with community, supporting the textile industry commitment of net zero CO2 emissions by 2050. Worn Again Technologies (WAT) and its strategic partners met in Copenhagen to discuss the next steps towards building polymer recycling facilities for textiles. Torsten Wintergerste, Chairman of Worn Again Technologies Board of Directors, explains: “Creating a successful circular economy for textiles requires more than an innovative recycling technology and all stakeholders from consumers to retailers and law makers need to connect and work together for a cleaner future.” Copenhagen offered an ideal location for the event, as the capital aims to become the world’s first carbon-free city. Even more, attendees were able to draw inspiration from Amager Bakke, also known as Copenhill, a combined heat and power waste-to-energy plant that is also an artificial ski slope and sports attraction. Jacob Simonsen, CEO at Amager Bakke, comments: “We were delighted to host Worn Again Technologies, as we share a common passion and vision in improving the sustainability of industry. We both believe that facilities can coexist with community landmarks and engage the public. It is exciting to see how Worn Again Technologies is planning to create the future of textile recycling. As societies, we face a huge textile challenge. This is why I applaud companies investing in technology aiming at reducing textile waste and turning it into a resource.” Erik Koep, CEO at Worn Again Technologies, concludes: “The meeting was extremely productive. We were able to take significant steps forward with our plans for a full-scale textile recycling plant. In particular, visiting Amager Bakke was key to stimulating the discussion on how Worn Again Technologies’ facilities can integrate into urban ecosystems and contribute in a variety of ways. We aim to develop facilities that will benefit local communities as well as supply the textile industry, all while creating a circular economy.”

About Worn Again Technologies

Worn Again Technologies was founded in East London in 2005, with a vision to eradicate textile waste. Since 2012, the company has been in development of a unique polymer recycling technology which separates, decontaminates and extracts polyester and cellulose (from cotton) from non-reusable textiles. The dual PET and cellulose outputs can be reintroduced into supply chains to become new fibre, textiles and products as part of a continual cycle. The regenerative recycling technology is being brought to life by an expert team and strategic partners who have a shared ambition of creating a circular textiles industry. The company has valued strategic investors including H&M Group, Sulzer Chemtech (global market leader in innovative mass transfer, static mixing and polymer solutions for petrochemicals, refining and LNG), Oerlikon (leading materials and surface solutions provider), Mexico-based Himes Corporation (a garment manufacturer) and Directex (a textiles producer), as well as the support of influential brands and partners, such as Kering, ASICS Europe, Sympatex, Dibella and Dhana. In November 2017, Worn Again Technologies was invited to become part of the Fashion for Good scaling programme. In 2019, Worn Again Technologies received the ANDAM Innovation Prize, the PCIAW Outstanding Contribution to the Textile Industry and the ‘One to Watch’ at the Global Good Awards. In 2019, the company’s Founder, Cyndi Rhoades, was also a finalist for The Circular Economy Awards Leadership award. Worn Again Technologies is also a signatory and key contributor to the UNFCCC Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action. www.wornagain.co.uk

Q&A with CAP member: Nin Castle

Written by admin2018 on . Posted in News, .

About Nin Castle

Briefly describe your background, interests & areas of expertise.

I’ve been working in textile waste management, up-cycling and recycling since 2004. Starting from a design perspective, working with both post-consumer and post-industrial waste, I then moved on to working in the systems needed to organise and standardise waste to be able to scale a circular industry and build efficient reverse supply chains.

What does circularity in the textiles industry mean to you?

The opportunity to reduce our dependence on virgin resources, and thus the carbon footprint of the textile and apparel industry. The most intriguing is that possibility to do this at radical scale and speed. An effective circular industry will be one that utilises a plethora of solutions and technologies, whilst creating a fairer and more just system for the people working within it.

What does your company/organisation do to bring about circularity (core relevant activities/commitments, highlight short and long term goals, if relevant)?

Reverse Resources is a SaaS platform to map, measure and trace textile waste. It is our aim to build the infrastructure and data collection tools that will be required to build and scale circular supply chains. We need to help recycling technologies scale at speed if we are to meet the Paris agreement, one critical part is creating the feedstock sourcing routes and building in traceability into these reverse supply chains from the start.

What made your decision to join the CAP?

I was delighted to be asked to join the CAP, for impact is what drives me. The opportunity to share my knowledge and support Worn Again Technologies so that they can meet the challenges when creating these very large feedstock sourcing supply chains made complete sense.

What do you believe the biggest hurdles/opportunities for transitioning to a new circular business mindset will be, for WA, for the industry?

For me the biggest hurdle will be around creating these feedstock sourcing routes. There is plenty of textile waste out there, but how do we collect, sort, prepare and supply this waste at an economically viable price point. The biggest challenge will be scaling this industry at speed whilst also, at all times, creating opportunities for smaller companies to participate in these circular supply chains. These much-needed efficient supply chains will be better suited for larger companies, however they could create monopolies on textile fibre.

Name 3 things you think businesses will be doing differently in a circular future.

Ecosystems, collaboration and inclusivity are the three keywords for me when talking about circularity in the textile industry. We need a good ecosystem of solutions ranging from resale to repair to recycling. Just within the recycling sector there needs to be a good ecosystem of technologies ranging from mechanical to thermo mechanical to a variety of chemical recycling approaches. Within this ecosystem of solutions and technologies I believe the most successful businesses will be ones who understand the economic incentives for collaboration. Efficiency and standardisation in waste management is key. Collaborating and therefore motivating companies further around the circular supply chain to improve processes that enable highly effective waste collection and recycling, will be able to create the most sustainable and profitable processes and value chain. Unlike the linear system, in a circular industry what goes around does indeed, come around! The companies that realise how heavily reliant they are upon the actions of other stakeholders and can create new business models that enable collaboration along and around the value chain, will be the most successful.

How important is this Circular Advisory Panel approach for preparing a company like WA for the market (i.e. a business starting out with the sole purpose of enabling circularity but entering the market in ‘linear times’)?

Change for many years has been very slow, however we are beginning to see a radical shift. The business model of a circular industry is significantly different from a linear one and will be dependent on policy change. Indeed a great collaboration between the public and private sector will be required, as well as substantial investment in the technologies themselves. Most significantly a circular economy creates new business models with nuances and repercussions both positive and negative that we are yet to fully comprehend. Bringing a group of experts with deep knowledge into specific areas of these emerging circular supply chains will enable us to identify problems and create the needed solutions.

Q&A with CAP Member: Ross Barry

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About Ross Barry

What do you believe the biggest hurdles/opportunities for transitioning to a new circular business mindset will be, for WA, for the industry?

Full circularity ushers a new paradigm for clothing manufacture. The biggest hurdles will be obstacles by vested interest in the status quo and given the global nature of the industry, no one can envisage where these hurdles will come from. The biggest challenge will be maintaining focus and momentum for those committed to circularity.

Name 3 things you think businesses will be doing differently in a circular future.

Designing for circularity – we are already seeing a move to mono fibres.  As circular technology and designers start aligning, the design process will naturally incorporate end of life considerations, including the ability to recycle blends. Traceability – irrespective of EPR, brands are becoming more interested in how and why their customers choose their product and how they use it.  New technology will enable a raft of data for brands to track and trace their clothing from start to finish and assess levels of wear and tear. Logistics – a new method for collecting clothing at end of life will need to be developed, be that in-store collections, courier collection or something entirely new.  Does it go to one hub to sort for brands or do brands collect their own stock?

Briefly describe your background, interests, areas of expertise?

Like so many textile merchants, it’s no surprise I’m third generation. My grandfather would have considered himself in the textile reclamation business, specialising in recycling to the point he went to night-school to learn Italian so he could sell wool to Prato directly.  My father started afresh in 1985 and pioneered the bourgeoning reuse market in Sub-Saharan Africa.  With the advent of circularity, it feels we have come full circle and now back to recycling however, the expertise of established reuse markets are essential as the most sustainable solution is extended life.  It will be interesting to see if alternative business models such as hire, will eclipse this.

What does circularity in the textiles industry mean to you?

A lot of people seem to take a literal approach to circularity; a T shirt doesn’t have to be a T shirt again and circularity can still incorporate recycling and extended life.  The difference with circularity is responsibility. If you make a garment and it is recycled to produce carpet underlay and you have a retail presence, then purchasing back the recycled carpet underlay can still be circular. I think businesses need to broaden their vision and try to keep resources proximate to their operation.

What made your decision to join the CAP?

The hope that I would learn more, not just about WA but also insights from the varied and interesting group which make up the CAP.

How important is this Circular Advisory Panel approach for preparing a company like WA for the market (i.e. a business starting out with the sole purpose of enabling circularity but entering the market in ‘linear times’)?

WA is taking the first steps into a brand-new world. I feel the CAP is a team preparing for an expedition, drawing on experience and expertise to try and map out the route and hopefully ensure the chosen route is the best with all the available information.

What do you think it will bring to the company?

A broader spectrum of expertise than they will have in-house and with people operating in spheres who will be able to access information and direct it into the company where they may not otherwise be privy to it.