Cotton recycling trials prove successful

A new report by Accelerating Circularity highlights key learnings from successful cotton textile-to-textile (T2T) recycling trials in the US and EU. The project, involving 43 stakeholders across the industry, aimed to bridge the gap between research and real-world implementation of a circular textile system.

The trials revealed challenges, including accurate fiber identification for recycling and efficient sorting of used textiles. However, the project also demonstrated significant progress. Precise sorting and detrimming of post-consumer cotton waste proved crucial, with color sorting especially important for mechanical recycling. Automation holds the key to scaling up these processes.

Recycled cotton met safety standards and could even be blended to achieve finer yarn counts than previously thought possible. Fabrics made from these yarns passed quality checks, including for pilling resistance – a major concern for brands. When aiming for lighter denim washes, designers may need to consider a trade-off between color and fabric strength.

These findings showcase the viability of T2T recycling for cotton, paving the way for a more sustainable future for the textile industry. Collaboration across the entire value chain, from collection to retail, is crucial for success.