The textile recycling industry gathered in Brussels to celebrate its leading innovators at the recent Textiles Recycling Expo. The prestigious Textile Recycling Awards recognized significant advancements and dedication across the sector, highlighting the growing momentum in addressing mounting textile waste streams. Mariska de Boer, co-owner of Boer Group, a prominent Dutch textile recycler, presented the awards.
Europe grapples with an estimated 12 million tonnes of textile waste annually, with only about 20% currently collected for reuse or recycling. Amidst these challenges, the industry is demonstrating remarkable progress, and the Textile Recycling Awards have become a vital platform to acknowledge these pioneers. Event organizer AMI celebrated industry leaders in six distinct categories, underscoring the critical importance of circular fashion and sustainable practices.
Key Winners and Innovations in Textile Recycling
The esteemed recipients of the 2026 Textile Recycling Awards include:
- Retailer of the Year: Beyond Retro by Bank & Vogue (Canada/UK)
- Product of the Year: Elis (France) for their innovative workwear-to-workwear recycling initiative. This project tackles the complex issue of recycling industrial garments, which can comprise up to ten different materials. Elis’s new workwear range is made from 100% recycled content, with textiles forming 60% of the material. The company aims to boost this textile content to 80% by the end of the current year.
- Collection and Sorting: Green Worms Waste Management (India)
- Recycling Project of the Year: Circ (US), recognized for its advanced polycotton recycling solution.
- Recycling Technology: Renasens (Sweden), honored for its groundbreaking blended-fibre recycling technology.
- Rising Star: Jacob Nathan of Epoch Biodesign (UK). Nathan’s innovative recycling technology concept originated from a science fair project at age 18. His company’s process utilizes AI-engineered enzymes to break down materials, initially targeting packaging waste before expanding into textile applications, with a current focus on processing nylon 6.6. This patented method operates at room temperature, eliminating the need for conventional chemical treatments and presenting a potentially more energy-efficient approach to textile recycling. Since establishing Epoch Biodesign in 2019, Nathan has secured approximately EUR 10.3 million to support commercialization efforts. In April, the company announced plans for what it claims will be the world’s largest nylon recycling facility, slated for construction in London.
A Collaborative Future for Sustainable Textiles
Mariska de Boer, after the awards ceremony, lauded the exceptional efforts of all participants, emphasizing the “truly exceptional” talent and dedication within the textile recycling sector. She stated, “Every step is deeply important, from collection and sorting to transport, treatment and innovation. We are seeing meaningful improvements across all these segments. I hope we can further boost best practices by scaling up efforts, sharing know-how and collaborating more. We are much stronger together.” This sentiment underscores the vital need for continued collaboration and knowledge sharing to advance the goals of sustainable textiles and effective waste management. The focus on fiber-to-fiber recycling and reducing textile waste remains a priority for the industry.
