The textile industry is at a pivotal moment. With millions of tons of textile waste produced each year, the current disposal practices – whether through landfills or incineration – are unsustainable. A promising solution has already emerged – textile-to-textile (T2T) recycling. This process, which converts textiles into new products, could be the key to creating a circular economy in the textile sector.
On March 5th, 2025, the launch of the T2T Alliance marked the beginning of a new chapter. RE&UP and other leading recyclers – Circ, Syre, and Circulose – formed the Alliance to focus on advocating for policies that place T2T recycling at the heart of Europe’s circular economy.
While the potential of T2T recycling is widely recognized, its role has often been overlooked in policy discussions. The T2T Alliance aims to change that by bringing together experts to ensure that their insights shape the policies that will define the future of textile recycling. This is especially critical as the European Union’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) takes shape, which could set new market-entry requirements for recycled textiles. As the industry moves toward circularity, it’s inspiring to see leading innovators unite – pooling expertise, resources, and influence to drive real change. By working together, we can overcome barriers that no company could tackle alone and accelerate the transition to a truly circular textile economy.
Scaling these solutions requires the right regulations. “We’re encouraged by the EU’s efforts toward a circular textile economy, but we also know that T2T recycling needs clear, supportive policies to grow,” says Andreas Dorner, General Manager of RE&UP. “By collaborating under the T2T Alliance, we hope to influence legislation that removes the barriers and accelerates the adoption of T2T recycling.”
The formation of the T2T Alliance is a major step forward, and momentum is building. With the right commitments from policymakers, brands, and recyclers, a fully circular textile industry is within reach. RE&UP is proud to be part of this transformation – and we’re just getting started.