An Israeli startup called TextRe is revolutionizing the way we deal with textile waste by turning it into brand new plastic products. The company uses synthetic fibers from discarded clothes, such as polyester and nylon, and combines them with other substances to create plastic pellets. These pellets can then be seamlessly integrated into the production lines of plastic manufacturing companies, allowing for the creation of more sustainably sourced plastic products.
Currently, close to 92 million tons of textile waste end up in landfills each year, with only one percent of garments being recycled. The rest can take hundreds of years to decompose, causing harm to the environment. The main challenge in recycling clothing is the difficulty in separating the various fibers and accessories. However, TextRe’s innovative process eliminates the need for meticulous separation, saving time and effort.
TextRe has successfully tested its technology by turning synthetic fibers into pellets that can be molded into new plastic products. The startup is currently completing a proof of concept with a leading Israeli plastic production company to demonstrate the feasibility of the process.
The textile waste problem has gained significant attention in recent years, leading to the drafting of legislation by the European Commission to hold fashion companies accountable for their environmental impact. These regulations create incentives for companies to collect and recycle their textile waste. TextRe aims to provide a solution by offering high-quality recycled plastic products, which can replace virgin materials in various industries.
While there are other companies that recycle textile waste, TextRe’s process is unique in its ability to create valuable recycled plastic products without consuming excessive energy. The startup was recognized as one of the winners of the 2023 MassChallenge Israel core accelerator program.
Overall, TextRe’s innovative approach has the potential to significantly reduce textile waste and promote a more sustainable plastic manufacturing industry.
Sources:
– NoCamels
– illuminem
– European Commission