Matterr and Bestseller Team Up to Boost Polyester Recycling

Danish fashion group Bestseller has entered into a partnership with German cleantech firm Matterr to enhance the recycling of polyester. This collaboration follows Matterr’s successful acquisition of a substantial grant from the European Union, which will support the establishment of a new facility focused on improving polyester recycling methods.

Dorte Rye Olsen, Bestseller’s sustainability head, remarked, “Matterr is a young company with an interesting solution that aims to be implemented on a large scale to benefit the entire fashion industry. We believe in the scalability of their technology as well as the commercial potential of the company. This can ensure the right impact in the long run.”

Matterr has pioneered a chemical recycling process that converts challenging-to-recycle textiles and packaging into high-quality raw materials that resemble virgin polyester. The funding provided by the EU and Bestseller will enable Matterr to begin construction on its small-scale industrial plant, slated for completion in 2026.

Once operational, this facility aims to process 10,000 tonnes of polyester-rich waste into virgin-quality raw materials each year. CEO Melanie Hackler stated, “To achieve our ambitious goals, it is essential to have the right partners by our side. With Bestseller, we share not only mindset and values, but also the belief that true change comes from pragmatic collaboration. Together, we are building a partnership that points towards the business models of the future.”

This Bestseller Matterr polyester recycling partnership underscores the commitment to addressing sustainability challenges in the fashion industry. Bestseller’s investment division, Invest FWD, is actively funding recycling technologies and scalable companies within the sector. The company has already invested DKK240 million in innovative firms that are developing sustainable materials and driving industry advancements.

Dorte Rye Olsen emphasizes the importance of these investments: “Bestseller has clear ambitions to reduce dependency on fossil sources, and the utilization of recycled polyester is a crucial component in achieving this.” The recent investment aligns with the fashion industry’s vision of transforming discarded garments into valuable raw materials, highlighting the need for responsible management of global textile waste. Additionally, Matterr recently secured a €30 million grant from the EU’s EFRE/JTF program in North Rhine-Westphalia, marking one of the largest grants awarded in this initiative. This Bestseller Matterr polyester recycling partnership is set to make a significant impact on the future of sustainable fashion.