#Recycling / Circular Economy

2020-06-13

H&M Group supports the Ellen MacArthur Foundation to accelerate circular economy to build back better

H&M Group, together with other leading companies, policymakers, philanthropists, academics and other influential individuals, fully supports the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s latest initiative to accelerate the transition to a circular economy as we adapt to the new normal.

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation today calls on businesses and governments to join the journey towards a circular economy. H&M Group is one of the signatories of the Foundation’s latest initiative, in which a circular economy is defined as a solution as to ‘how’ we can build back better as we rise to the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation encourages us to build on this momentum. It is by applying circular economy solutions for plastics, fashion, food, as well as other industries, that we will build a better future, create vital opportunities for economic growth that also restore the environment, create jobs, and benefit society.

Today CEOs of some of the world’s most influential companies, policymakers, philanthropists, academics, and other influential individuals have reaffirmed their commitment to building a circular economy. Together we can build an economy that is distributed, diverse, and inclusive, rather than extractive, polluting, and exploitative.”

Dame Ellen MacArthur

“We must take the responsibility of our future together. Companies and governments have to collaborate, be transparent and show leadership in their transition to a circular economy. Taking steps back in what already has been achieved is not an option. We are committed to take our part, and to follow our vision of becoming circular and climate positive”, says Helena Helmersson, CEO H&M Group.

Being fully circular to the H&M group means to have a different approach to how fashion should be designed, produced and used. Fashion should never be seen as waste, but instead, should be treated as a valuable resource by reusing and recycling again and again. H&M Group’s ambition to become fully circular includes, among others, offering its customers garment collecting options to give a second life to already used garments, and using more and more recycled fibers for its products, such as recycled polyester from old plastic bottles or recycled cotton from used garments.

“Production is a product”

From technical textiles and AI-driven robotics to the limitations of textile circularity: Professor Dr Thomas Gries looks back on more than two decades of development at ITA Aachen. In the interview, he explains why production technology remains a decisive success factor, discusses international collaborations and innovation ecosystems, and shares his views on the transformation of production landscapes and the challenges facing an increasingly regulated industry.

“We need to move away from the price trap and return to a value-driven mindset.”

With its new Textile Innovation Center, KARL MAYER is sending a strong signal for innovation, collaboration, and the future of textile applications. In this interview, Karl Josef Mayer discusses new opportunities in warp knitting, the processing of staple fibres, recycling, the changing role of machinery manufacturers, and why the textile industry must once again focus more strongly on the value of textiles. by Oliver Schmidt

“Innovation, resilience and international experience remain the great strengths of the Swiss textile machinery industry”

Geopolitical uncertainty, growing competitive pressure from China, new free trade agreements and the shift towards a circular economy are currently reshaping the global textile industry. In this interview, Cornelia Buchwalder discusses the current mood within the Swiss textile machinery sector, the industry’s distinctive innovative strength, new market opportunities in India and Asia, and the technological trends that could shape the upcoming trade fair cycle leading up to ITMA 2027.

Reju opens its first R&D Center in the U.S. in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania

Reju, the company specializing in textile regeneration, today announced the opening of a Research and Development (R&D) Center in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, the company's first proprietary research center in North America. Located within Technip Energies' existing Advanced Materials and Catalysts research center, the lab will allow Reju to accelerate the rollout of its recycling technologies and develop its next-generation circular solutions.

New skills for a circular textile economy

Based on the results of a comprehensive analysis, the Erasmus+ project Skills4Circularity is developing three practical training modules covering recycling technologies, eco-design for the circular economy and sustainable manufacturing. The content of the first module, Recycling Technologies, has now been developed and validated together with industry representatives. The module provides participants with knowledge of regulatory requirements, material sorting and the preparation of textile waste for recycling.

Itema reaffirms its commitment to the Syrian textile industry at NasTex 2026

From July 18th to 21st, Itema will exhibit at NasTex at the Damascus Fairground (Hall 11 – Stand C02), marking its return to one of the Middle East’s historically significant textile markets. Itema will showcase advanced weaving technology designed to support the competitiveness and technological evolution of Syrian manufacturers and announces a new partnership with Growfast Agency as the sole agent of Itema in Syria.

KARL MAYER's HKS 2-SE Expands Possibilities for Premium Stretch WARP KNITS

Warp knitted fabrics with a woven look are more in demand than ever in the fashion and apparel industries. Stretch WARP KNITS, in particular, impress with their freedom of movement, breathability, and virtually wrinkle-free wear – thereby opening up new style worlds such as smart casual or business casual. When it comes to the highly efficient production of premium-quality stretch WARP KNITS, the HKS 2-SE has long been the machine of choice. KARL MAYER’s best-selling tricot machine produces standard elastic fabrics characterized by high gauges, smooth, delicate surfaces, and a soft hand feel.