#Recycling / Circular Economy

2026-03-05

Textile‑to‑textile recycling leader Circulose joins Spinnova’s ecosystem to accelerate technology scale‑up

Textile‑to‑textile recycling leader Circulose joins Spinnova’s ecosystem (consortium) to help advance the scale‑up of Spinnova’s technology. Spinnova has actively sought partners to accelerate commercial scale‑up, and Circulose, as a key player in textile recycling, strengthens the ecosystem by providing a raw material that is in high demand across the industry.

As a pioneer in circularity within the fashion industry, Circulose recycles cellulosic‑rich textile waste using a patented process to convert discarded textiles into dissolving pulp. Produced entirely from pre‑ and post‑consumer textile waste, this pulp can be used to manufacture regenerated fibres such as viscose, lyocell, and viscose filament.

Through this collaboration, it is intended to integrate CIRCULOSE® pulp into Spinnova’s ecosystem as a feedstock for producing new textile fibres. Unlike the chemical regeneration processes used for traditional man‑made cellulosic fibres, Spinnova’s mechanical technology enables the partners to turn CIRCULOSE® into a new biobased textile fibre without harmful chemicals or dissolving in the fibre‑spinning process. In addition, CIRCULOSE® pulp can be integrated into Spinnova’s process at 100%, eliminating the need for blending with virgin pulp and enabling higher recycled content in the final fibre.

Spinnova has successfully trialled spinning CIRCULOSE® pulp into textile fibre already in 2023, and together the partners have explored its performance in yarn spinning and fabric weaving. With the now‑announced collaboration, Spinnova and Circulose will further integrate the pulp into Spinnova’s process, expanding the offering available to other partners within the ecosystem.

“We are excited to renew our partnership with Spinnova. We strongly believe that innovation will enable man-made cellulosic fibers to play a bigger role in textiles than it does today. Spinnova is a great example of this - it is not only a sustainably produced fiber but also offers attractive performance properties. We’re excited to support their scale-up by enabling SPINNOVA® fiber production to be not only natural and bio-based, but also circular", comments Jonatan Janmark, the CEO at Circulose.

“We are happy to welcome Circulose into Spinnova’s ecosystem. Together, their textile waste‑based pulp and our patented process enable a unique circular solution and bring innovative fibre production closer to commercial scale. With our technology, CIRCULOSE® pulp can be turned into cotton‑like textile fibres instead of viscose. As demand for high‑quality textile waste‑based materials grows, this partnership allows Spinnova to secure valuable circular raw materials while supporting Circulose in expanding the use of its pulp into new, lower‑impact fibres”, says Spinnova’s CEO, Janne Poranen.

Spinnova’s partner NZ TEX GROUP supports scaling of SPINNOVA® fibre

NZ TEX GROUP, Spinnova’s long-term woven fabric manufacturing partner based in Bangladesh, supports the scaling of SPINNOVA® fibre by joining the Spinnova ecosystem. NZ TEX GROUP and Spinnova have jointly developed fabrics, including denim, over several years, and the partners are now formalising and strengthening their cooperation through the ecosystem model.

ECCO introduces first shoe featuring innovative protein-based fibre

ECCO, in partnership with Spinnova, announces the launch of the limited edition ECCO BIOM® 720, a first-of-its-kind shoe utilising an often overlooked leather by-product, transformed into a protein-based fibre. The fibres are produced using patented technology that advances material innovation while reducing waste and supporting full resource use across the leather and textile industry.

Managed workwear services are providing a blueprint for the circular textile economy

Managed workwear service providers are demonstrating how commercial success and circularity can go hand in hand by extending garment lifespans through repair, laundering, reuse and recycling, according to “Managed workwear services—a circular textile economy ahead of the game”, a new 14‑page report from the global business information company Textiles Intelligence.

Eco-design as the foundation of circular textiles

Based on the results of an extensive European analysis, the Erasmus+ project Skills4Circularity is currently developing three practice-based training modules covering recycling technologies, eco-design for the circular economy and sustainable manufacturing. This was preceded by a comprehensive company survey and a joint analysis conducted by the project partners under the leadership of IVGT. The results show that the greatest challenges lie not so much in a lack of technology as in skills gaps.

Usha Yarns secures growth equity investment from Fullerton Carbon Action Fund

Usha Yarns Limited (“Usha Yarns”), a producer of high-quality recycled yarns with advanced, well established production processes, announced a growth equity investment from the Fullerton Carbon Action Fund (“Fullerton”), a private equity strategy managed by Fullerton Fund Management that backs established mid-market companies across Emerging Asia to accelerate decarbonisation.

More patterns, less effort: the MULTI-MATIC® at Rohleder

Rohleder is one of Europe’s most modern weaving mills. For over 80 years, the family-owned company has been developing and manufacturing premium fabrics for brands, retailers and private customers – 100% Made in Germany. This success is made possible by a consistent focus on design, quality, and functionality, as well as by continuous investment in state-of-the-art production facilities. Rohleder also relies on innovative technologies in warp preparation and has been collaborating with KARL MAYER for many years. As recently as 2023, a MULTI-MATIC® was delivered to the company’s headquarters in Konradsreuth.

BASF opens global diaper and superabsorbents performance lab in Mumbai

BASF has officially inaugurated its new Performance Lab for diapers and superabsorbents (SAP) in Mumbai on August 18, 2026, which will provide technical and application services to superabsorbent customers globally. The new lab of BASF’s Hygiene Solutions business has been established in less than a year and is part of BASF’s Innovation Campus Asia Pacific in Mumbai, BASF’s second largest R&D site in Asia Pacific established in 2017 under BASF Chemicals India Private Limited.

Naia™ from Eastman strengthens western hemisphere textile connections at Apparel Sourcing Show Guatemala

As brands and retailers explore more diversified and responsive sourcing networks, the Naia™ brand from Eastman is strengthening its engagement with the textile and apparel value chain across the western hemisphere. From August 18–20, the company will participate for the first time in Apparel Sourcing Show Guatemala, a regional meeting point for apparel sourcing, manufacturing and nearshoring.

Dornbirn GFC 2026 expands conference program with new thematic sessions

For 65 years, Dornbirn GFC has stood for innovation and is one of the world’s leading conferences in the fiber industry. From September 16 to 18, 2026, the international fiber community will meet in Dornbirn, Austria, to discuss current trends, technological developments, and forward-looking solutions. More than 600 experts from industry and academia from over 30 countries are expected to attend. With around 100 presentations by renowned speakers, a 2,5-day conference program, and three parallel presentation rooms with moderated sessions, Dornbirn GFC provides a first-class platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and international collaboration. Together, participants will generate ideas and impulses that will sustainably shape the future of the global fiber industry.