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Recycling can win the fight against fast fashion

Fast fashion is the epitome of throwaway culture, its predominately linear business model results in vast quantities of unwanted garments polluting the environment. Help is at hand though, as innovative solvent-based chemical recycling is allowing mixed blend textiles to be reborn as virgin-equivalent raw materials. Trendsetters in these processes, like Worn Again Technologies, are helping to build a circular economy for clothes so that fast fashion doesn’t cost the world.

Not a good look

It’s no understatement that fast fashion is a critical battleground in combating global warming and waste. Cheap garments designed to meet ever shortening trend cycles quickly end up in landfill, incinerators and the wider environment. Producing these clothes is carbon and resource intensive too; some estimate that the fashion industry is responsible for 4% of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions and 20% of wastewater,[1] not to mention the land use aspects.

Unfortunately, the problem is growing. “Microseasons”, celebrity culture and influencers are accelerating trend cycles, increasing demand for fast fashion. Combine this with an industry that is preoccupied with volume production to reduce cost per unit and the result is chronic oversupply, with around 100 billion new garments produced around the world each year.[2] The planned obsolescence of fast fashion is another issue. After a few wears and washes, many garments begin to disintegrate or discolour, encouraging owners to throw them away.

A linear model

Overproduction is debilitating to the environment. Growing cotton is resource intensive, with a single clothing item requiring either hundreds or thousands of gallons of water, grown on land that could otherwise be put to better use (such as food production) and delivering a relatively high carbon footprint. To reduce costs (and carbon), many fashion brands blend cotton with polyester. A versatile plastic, polyester is fossil fuel derived and takes a long time to degrade, adding plenty of microplastics to the planet and drinking water. Compounding the problem, recycling mixed-blend garments has historically been challenging, providing a further incentive to simply dispose of clothes.

Current market conditions and perceived recycling limitations, result in an unsurprising 85% of all textiles going to dumps or incinerators every year.[3] Dumping clothes in the ground poisons the environment (even supposedly biodegradable clothes contain non-degradable chemicals), taking up space and damaging habitats. Consequently, many countries have found loopholes to piggyback on the existing reuse trade by also exporting unwanted fast fashion products to places such as Ghana and Chile.

This is increasingly not a solution either, as photos from Jamestown Beach (Accra, Ghana) or the Atacama desert (Chile) show large volumes of material being dumped in uncontrolled landfill, blighting the local environment.[4]

It’s logical that this would occur considering the rapid increase in volume and the equally rapid reduction in average garment quality arriving on the market due to fast fashion. Legacy sorting operators, the champions of sustainable reuse, are sounding the alarm on this worrying trend. The reputation of responsible second-hand operators is being crushed by fast fashion as a broad moral brush is applied by western pundits, ultimately supporting the sales of newspapers and magazines, but doing little to improve the condition.

Fast fashion goes circular

Clearly, to build a circular economy for fast fashion, new recycling techniques are required to process mixed-blend garments. The key is to effectively separate polyester from cotton so that both materials can be reused to produce new, low emission textiles. In this area, Worn Again is leading the industry.

“Our solvent-based chemical recycling technology offers a proven solution for processing mixed-blend, fast fashion garments,” says Toby Moss, Director of Business Development at Worn Again Technologies. “Our technology separates and purifies polyester and cotton from clothes, while reliably tolerating up to 10% contamination from other materials. We don’t break the materials down into their molecular components, so after we separate out the dyes, additives and impurities, we are left with circular polyester resin pellets and cellulosic pulp ready for reuse.”

New styles with pure substance

The critical advantage of this process is that it produces pure feedstocks: virgin-equivalent materials that can be immediately utilized to make new products. For example, the polyester pellets are of spinning grade, while cellulosic pulp can be turned into fibers, so both can be used in clothes manufacturing. The technology has relevance beyond fashion too, allowing recycled materials to be incorporated into packaging, car interiors and home appliances for example.

Solvent-based chemical recycling is a proven way to lower the impact of fast fashion. By reclaiming materials, it can prevent clothes ending up in landfill, incinerators and the wider environment – superseding the current linear business model. Furthermore, resource and carbon intensive fibers like polyester and cotton can be reused in new products, reducing emissions and conserving water. The scalability of the technology ensures that a high volume of textiles can be processed, helping to combat oversupply and waste. Finally, its ability to accommodate contaminated textiles ensures excellent suitability for garments of varying qualities from different sources.

Trending towards recycling

For fashion brands and recyclers, this is a timely innovation. Governments are increasingly aware of the environmental damage caused by fast fashion and are introducing legislation to combat it. Extended Producer Responsibility schemes are forcing brands to manage the full lifecycle of their products, with legislation mandating that they process a growing proportion of their waste. To ensure cost-effective compliance, brands and recyclers will have to rely on established technologies such as Worn Again’s solvent-based chemical recycling to smoothen the transition.

Ultimately, innovative textile recycling technology is supporting a growing trend for circularity within the fast fashion industry. Instead of cheap, low-quality garments incurring ever higher volumes of carbon emissions and waste, these clothes can be used to produce new virgin-equivalent materials that have a reduced environmental impact. With the global fast fashion market projected to be worth nearly 185 billion USD by 2027[5], innovative textile recycling technology needs to be the next big trendsetter.


[1] Ultra-fast Fashion Is Eating the World – The Atlantic

[2] Fashion Waste Facts and Statistics – Businesswaste.co.uk

[3] Fast Fashion and Its Environmental Impact – Earth.Org

[4] Where does the UK’s fast fashion end up? I found out on a beach clean in Ghana – The Guardian

[5] Fast fashion market value forecast worldwide from 2021 to 2027 – Statista

Cellulose Process Engineer (m|w|d)

Cellulose Process Engineer (m|w|d), for working on the unique textile recycling process

About Worn Again we will eliminate textile waste and create a world where resources are kept in a constant cycle. And you can be a part of it!

Challenge: Millions of tons of textiles are dumped in landfills and combustion plants worldwide every year. Despite huge demand for recycled clothing, currently, less than 1% of used textiles are recycled back into fibres.

Solution Our cutting-edge recycling technology can separate, clean and extract polyester and cotton from end-of-life textiles and produce Circular Polyester and Forest-friendly Cellulose. Information can be found at Home – Worn Again Technologies

Role Are you ready to be at the forefront of innovative textile recycling technology? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you.

Worn Again is on the lookout for a skilled Cellulose Process Engineer. Your primary focus will be to lead the process development and engineering, alongside the construction of our new Accelerator plant in Winterthur, Switzerland. After the successful commissioning & operation of the Accelerator, the role will be central to further process development and scale-up of the process to commercial scale.

Your Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage engineering and process development of a state of the art Wet-Dope-Spinning-Process for cellulosic fibres.
  • Lead and manage engineering and development of processes to generate cellulosic precipitate.
  • Oversee equipment manufacturing, installation and commissioning of equipment.
  • Scale the process from laboratory to industrial production in cooperation with Lab team.
  • Ensure timely and on budget execution of projects.
  • Drive the scale-up of chemical recycling processes to commercial levels.

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
  • Experience in wet spinning fibre processes e.g., viscose, lyocell, modal
  • 5+ years of experience in a process engineering position
  • Operational experience within chemical, oil and gas or polymer processing industries
  • Ability to work with process simulation and fluid mechanics software, e.g. Pro-II
  • Fluent English and possible German language skills
  • Experience in Switzerland is a plus
  • Willing to travel (up to 20%) for needed trails within 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

Working time 100% position; A work permit in Switzerland is required for this position.

Start date and location ASAP in Winterthur

If you are ready to make a significant impact in the world of sustainable technology and meet the above criteria, we would love to hear from you. Apply now to embark on a fulfilling journey with Worn Again.

Information and application to jobs@wornagain.co.uk

Chemical Process Engineer (m|w|d)

Chemical Process Engineer (m|w|d), for working on the unique textile recycling process

About Worn Again we will eliminate textile waste and create a world where resources are kept in a constant cycle. And you can be a part of it!

Challenge: Millions of tons of textiles are dumped in landfills and combustion plants worldwide every year. Despite huge demand for recycled clothing, currently, less than 1% of used textiles are recycled back into fibres.

Solution Our cutting-edge recycling technology can separate, clean and extract polyester and cotton from end-of-life textiles and produce Circular Polyester and Forest-friendly Cellulose. Information can be found at Home – Worn Again Technologies

Role Are you ready to be at the forefront of innovative textile recycling technology? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you.

Worn Again is on the lookout for a skilled Chemical Process Engineer. Your primary focus will be to lead the process development and engineering, alongside the construction of our new Accelerator plant in Winterthur, Switzerland. After the successful commissioning & operation of the Accelerator, the role will be central to further process development and scale-up of the process to commercial scale.

Your Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage process development and engineering.
  • Oversee equipment manufacturing, installation and commissioning of equipment.
  • Ensure timely and on budget execution of projects.
  • Drive the scale-up of chemical recycling processes to commercial levels.

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 chemical, oil and gas or polymer processing industries
  • Ability to work with process simulation and fluid mechanics software, e.g. Pro-II
  • Fluent English and possible German language skills
  • Experience in Switzerland is a plus
  • Willing to travel (up to 20%) for needed trails within 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

Working time 100% position; A work permit in Switzerland is required for this position.

Start date and location ASAP in Winterthur

If you are ready to make a significant impact in the world of sustainable technology and meet the above criteria, we would love to hear from you. Apply now to embark on a fulfilling journey with Worn Again.

Information and application to jobs@wornagain.co.uk

Worn Again Technologies becomes a Gold-Level Sponsor of EuRIC

Worn Again is proud to announce that it is now a Gold-Level sponsor of the European Recycling Industries Confederation (EuRIC). This partnership strengthens the company’s commitment to building a sustainable and Circular Economy, both within the textiles sector and wider industry.

EuRIC is the leading voice for a competitive European recycling industry, representing more than 5,500 companies as it advocates for recycling’s role in Europe’s industrial transition. With a combined turnover of almost a hundred billion Euros to the EU economy, EuRIC members transform waste into valuable resources,supporting 300,000 green jobs and bridging the gap between circularity and climate neutrality.

Toby Moss, Director of Business Development at Worn Again, said: “Becoming a Gold-Level sponsor of EuRIC is a key milestone for us. Sustainability is not something any business – or even industry – can achieve in isolation. This collaboration underscores the importance of working together to scale innovative solutions that divert waste from landfills and incineration and instead transforms it into valuable resources.

“EuRIC’s work aligns perfectly with our mission to accelerate the Circular Economy and inspire systemic change in the global textiles industry.”

With its advanced chemical recycling technologies, Worn Again extracts polyester and cellulose from post-consumer textiles, offering outputs that can be reintroduced into the supply chain.

As a Gold-Level Sponsor, Worn Again will actively contribute to EuRIC’s vital initiatives, including offering expertise and support across educational outreach, industry collaboration, and advocacy for progressive recycling policies. These initiatives aim to build a unified framework for sustainable practices across industries and ensure that resources remain in continuous circulation.

“As recycling innovators, we are at the forefront of Europe’s green industrial evolution,” added Toby. “Together with EuRIC, we aim to amplify the impact of recycling technologies and help shape policies that make a tangible difference for our planet and future generations.”Julia Ettinger, EuRIC’s Secretary General welcomed the sponsorship stating: “We are delighted to welcome Worn Again Technologies as a Gold sponsor. Collaboration with pioneering companies is essential to driving innovation and accelerating the transition to a more circular future. Worn Again’s expertise and commitment to sustainability will be a significant asset to EuRIC’s Textiles branch, which represents the collective interests of Europe’s textile recycling and re-use industries.”

Process Engineer (m-w-d)

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.

 

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)

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)

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

 

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.”

Worn Again Technologies draws closer to full textile circularity

 

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

 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.