#Recycling / Circular Economy

2024-12-05

Infinited Fiber and Norbite collaborate in EU-funded TEX-INSECT project

Infinited Fiber Company is pleased to announce its collaboration on the EU funded TEX-INSECT project, which aims to develop and optimize Norbite’s technology that converts synthetics originating from textile waste into sustainable bioproducts. Infinited Fiber’s process takes in cotton-rich textile waste otherwise destinated into landfills or incinerators.

One of the key advantages of Infinited Fiber’s technology is its ability to use cotton-blend feedstock – such as cotton-rich textiles containing polyester, elastane, or other synthetics – that is typically considered unusable by most textile recycling processes. This project aims to further strengthen feedstock versatility by improving side stream utilization.

The TEX-INSECT initiative, led by Norbite, includes the development of a novel insect-based biorefinery that employs the larvae of Galleria mellonella to digest and transform synthetic polymers into valuable products such as proteins and lipids. These outputs can then be used in applications like biofertilizers, technical applications like glue and as food for animals. As part of the TEX-INSECT project, a pilot biorefinery will be developed to process a variety of different polymers derived from post-consumer textile waste.

This pilot aims to optimize the environmental conditions necessary for the biorefinery to function effectively. Given the irregularity of the input materials, the Norbite’s process emphasizes stringent quality control and adherence to safety regulations to ensure that the resulting bioproducts are safe for their intended uses.

In this two-year project, Infinited Fiber will collect synthetics residues, laying the groundwork for development work. These samples will be utilized by Norbite, driving the project towards its goal of creating sustainable bioproducts with increased process yields.

https://infinitedfiber.com/

Infinited Fiber Company appoints new chair and board members to drive next growth phase

Infinited Fiber Company has announced key changes to its Board of Directors following its Annual General Meeting on June 30, 2025. The new appointments are designed to support the company’s strategic focus on scaling its proprietary Infinna™ technology, expanding partnerships across the textile value chain, and preparing for industrial-level investment.

Infinited Fiber Company enters the next strategic phase under new leadership

Infinited Fiber Company announces that Petri Alava, co-founder and CEO since the company’s founding in 2016, will step down from his role on May 31, 2025. Chief Operating Officer Sahil Kaushik will serve as acting CEO from June 1, 2025. Petri Alava will continue supporting the company as Senior Advisor through the end of November. The Board of Directors has initiated the search for a permanent successor.

Industrial scale meets verified governance: RE&UP is now B Corp™ certified

RE&UP, the circular-tech transforming global textile waste into high-volume Next-Gen materials, has officially become a Certified B Corporation™. The milestone establishes the industrial recycler among a select group of manufacturing infrastructure providers verified as meeting B Lab Standards for social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.

Recover™ and Ünteks Group partner to scale recycled cotton in knitwear

Recover(TM), a global producer of low‐impact, high‐quality recycled cotton fiber, announces a new partnership with Ünteks Group, a vertically integrated textile manufacturer based in Turkey. The collaboration focuses on the development of circular knit fabrics and garments, combining Recover’s recycled cotton fiber with Ünteks Group’s integrated capabilities across knitting, dyeing, printing, and garment production.

ALADIN paves the way for circular and demand-driven textile production in Europe

Textile production can be organized sustainably by utilizing short supply chains and preventing overproduction. This can already be achieved today by intelligently connecting and efficiently utilizing existing infrastructure. At the same time, production becomes circular when innovative technologies and materials are used that enable high-quality recycling. The ALADIN research project, launched in May 2026 and co-funded with five million euros under the EU Horizon Europe program, is creating the conditions for this.

Ence and ShareTex begin initial testing of the ATENEA innovation project to promote textile recycling in Spain

Ence and ShareTex are making progress on the Atenea R&D project, which aims to develop a complete value chain for textile recycling in Spain. Specifically, the goal of the ATENEA project—which is funded by the Center for Technological Development and Innovation (CDTI)—is to connect all the necessary stages for the recovery of textile waste, from collection and management, through recycling and transformation into new raw materials, to their incorporation into new textile products.

Rieter sees Barmag integration on track as orders and sales rise

The first half of 2026 was shaped by the successful completion of the largest acquisition in Rieter’s history. The Man-Made Fiber Division enables entry into the growth segment of man-made fibers and sustainably strengthens Rieter’s market position in the Asia region. The expanded Group is now the world’s leading system supplier for the processing of natural and man-made fibers. In the first half of the year, initial cost savings in material costs and operating expenses have already been realized. The targeted synergies are expected to amount to at least CHF 20 million by the end of the 2028 financial year. Due to the completion of the acquisition on February 2, 2026, the first half of the year for the Man-Made Fiber Division only amounts to five months.