Softwear Automation Secures $20 Million In Series B1 Funding Round Led By Strategic Partnership With BESTSELLER

ATLANTA — August 11, 2025 — Softwear Automation, the pioneer in autonomous sewing technology, today announced the successful close of its $20 million Series B1 funding round, marking a major milestone in its mission to revolutionize sewn goods manufacturing. The round was led by a strategic investment from BESTSELLER, the Danish fashion company behind brands such as JACK & JONES, VERO MODA, and ONLY. The investment was made through Invest FWD, BESTSELLER’s dedicated innovation and investment platform for advancing sustainability in the fashion industry. Current investors — including CTW Venture Partners, SRI Capital, MacDonald Ventures — also participated in the financing.

As part of the collaboration between Softwear Automation and BESTSELLER , CFO Thomas Børglum Jensen, on behalf of BESTSELLER, joins the board of Softwear Automation. This at a time of rapid progress towards commercialization of Softwear’s fully automated SEWBOT® worklines.

“This partnership with BESTSELLER and the support from Invest FWD are not just a vote of confidence in our technology — they are a powerful catalyst for the future of on-demand, localized, and more sustainable apparel manufacturing,” said Palaniswamy “Raj” Rajan, chairman and CEO of Softwear Automation.

Softwear Automation’s patented SEWBOT technology delivers a fully autonomous sewing solution, enabling sewn products to be made closer to the consumer, with radically reduced waste, faster cycle times, and superior cost-efficiency. This funding round will accelerate the company’s expansion into new product categories and geographies, deepen its R&D capabilities, and scale its production footprint to meet growing global demand.

From BESTSELLER, CFO Thomas Børglum Jensen added: “At BESTSELLER, we look for innovations that can support progress within the fashion industry, where change is needed. Softwear Automation is helping address some of the key challenges we face across the industry — from speed and flexibility to lowering environmental impact. We’re pleased to support their development and explore how this technology can help us move forward.”

The partnership supports BESTSELLER’s wider efforts to improve its supply chain model with ambitions about reducing environmental impact and increasing transparency.

By leveraging SEWBOT technology, Softwear Automation and BESTSELLER aim to enable more circular and demand-driven production practices.

With this strategic alliance and fresh funding, Softwear Automation is poised to lead the next era of apparel manufacturing — one where fashion is faster, focused on sustainability improvements, and made closer to home.

Posted: August 11, 2025

Source: Softwear Automation

Techtextil India Announces Strategic Tie-Up For Launching ‘ReCycle Zone’: Pushing The Recycling Agenda

MUMBAI, India— August 11, 2025 — In a major push to advance circularity and environmental accountability in the technical textiles sector, Techtextil India 2025 will launch the dedicated “ReCycle Zone” in collaboration with the Society of Plastics Engineers India (SPE India). Reclaim, Reuse and Reimagine are among the key features of the zone at the upcoming edition of Techtextil India scheduled November 19-21, 2025, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai.

(left to right) Mr. Ramesh Parasuraman – President – Society of Plastics Engineers India & Mr Raj Manek, Executive Director & Board Member, Messe Frankfurt Asia Holdings Ltd.

As industries across the globe adopt circular economy models and sustainable production practices, the ReCycle Zone will serve as a vital platform for stakeholders working to transform textile and plastic waste into value-added materials. The initiative reflects Technical India’s ongoing commitment to driving responsible innovation by converging recyclers, solution providers, machinery manufacturers startups and policy enablers under one roof. This new industry focused zone will spotlight sustainable innovation and next-gen recycling technologies.

Raj Manek, executive director and board member, Messe Frankfurt Asia Holdings Ltd, said: “The ‘ReCycle Zone’ is a timely and strategic addition to Techtextil India. As environmental stewardship becomes central to the industry’s future, this platform will not only spotlight sustainable technologies but also encourage transformative partnerships across the sector.”

Spotlighting on Textile Waste Management and circularity, this ReCycle Zone will host companies specializing in:

  • Garment, agro-textiles and medical textiles waste recycling
  • Plastic and PET waste recycling for textile applications
  • Fibre to fibre and yarn regeneration
  • Sorting, shredding and advanced recycling machinery
  • EPR compliance, traceability and green certifications
  • AI and automation in waste management systems

This initiative aims to bridge the gap between innovation and implementation by connecting buyers, suppliers, R&D specialists and sustainability officers.

To deepen the technical engagement, SPE India will curate a series of focused knowledge sessions and panel discussions within the ReCycle Zone. Experts from academia, policy think tanks and leading corporates will weigh in on topics such as circular product design, industry compliance and mandates, advances in waste recovery, and investment outlook in green tech.

Ramesh Parasuraman, president, Society of Plastics Engineers India, commented: “We are pleased to join forces with Techtextil India to bring ReCycle Zone to life. This platform will go beyond showcasing as it will facilitate critical dialogues, catalyse partnerships and reinforce the importance of science-led scalable recycling solutions across textile and plastics sectors.”

The launch of ReCycle Zone aligns with India’s national efforts towards sustainable manufacturing, driven by programs like LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) and PM MITRA Parks (Pradhan Mantri Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel). As technical textiles play an increasingly important role across sectors such as defence, healthcare, automotive and agriculture, integrating recycling and circular design into their production processes has become essential.

The zone further reinforces Messe Frankfurt India’s role in nurturing a sustainable business ecosystem through its leading industry platforms. Techtextil India will mark the 10th edition of India’s most comprehensive exhibition for technical textiles, nonwovens, and composites. Organised by Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India, the show will cover 12 diverse application areas from protective wear and functional fabrics to smart textiles, filtration and mobility solutions.

Scheduled from November 19-21, 2025, at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, the show will bring together global and domestic exhibitors, solutions providers, institutional buyers, research organizations and key industry bodies for three days of business, innovation and networking.

Adding momentum to the industry dialogue the India edition of the Dornbirn Global Fibre Conference one of the most prestigious global conferences for fibre and material innovations, will take place on 18th November 2025 also at NESCO, Mumbai – one day prior to Techtextil India show.

Posted: August 11, 2025

Source: Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India / Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd

Sapphire Finishing Mills Joins Cascale, Bringing Pakistan’s Textile Voice To The Global Sustainability Table

LAHORE, Pakistan — August 11, 2025 — Sapphire Finishing Mills Ltd., one of Pakistan’s leading textile manufacturers, has joined Cascale (formerly the Sustainable Apparel Coalition) as a Corporate Full Member, becoming one of the first few from the country to align with this influential global network committed to responsible manufacturing.

Effective May 2025, the membership expands Sapphire’s access to the complete Higg Index suite of tools, now including the Higg Product Tools, such as the Material Sustainability Index (MSI) and the Product Module (PM). These build on Sapphire’s existing use of the Higg Facility Environmental Module (FEM) and the Facility Social & Labor Module (FSLM), which have guided its sustainability efforts for several years. Collectively, these tools offer a globally recognized, standardized framework for assessing sustainability performance across environmental, social, and product-level dimensions.

“At Sapphire Finishing Mills, sustainability isn’t a checkbox, it’s part of how we operate every day. Joining Cascale gives us the structure and tools to push further, measure better, and drive meaningful change. Representing Pakistan’s textile sector on this platform is both an honor and a responsibility we take seriously.” said Raffay Bin Rauf, Head of Sustainability at Sapphire Finishing Mills Limited.

As a full corporate Cascale member, Sapphire becomes part of a global community of over 300 organizations across 30+ countries, all using the Higg Index to inform strategic decisions, report progress, and drive continuous improvement. Though the tools don’t provide real-time analytics, they deliver consistent, evidence-based reporting that helps companies stay aligned with long-term ESG goals.

For Sapphire, this membership builds on existing efforts already guided by the Higg Facility Tools and now enhanced by access to Product Tools. Key focus areas include:

  • Low-impact manufacturing and emissions reduction, guided by FEM
  • Smarter water and chemical usage, informed by Higg scores
  • Fair labor practices and worker empowerment, aligned with FSLM
  • Transparency and traceability, now extended through MSI and PM

This milestone marks a step forward not just for Sapphire, but for Pakistan’s broader textile industry, demonstrating that sustainability and innovation can (and must) go hand in hand.

Posted: August 11, 2025

Source: Sapphire Mills — Part Of The Sapphire Group

England-Based Textile Manufacturer Appoints Rachel Douglas Phillips As Technical & Sustainability Manager

BRADFORD, England — August 11, 2025 — Think Group, a Yorkshire-based textile manufacturer, is pleased to announce the appointment of Rachel Douglas Phillips as Technical & Sustainability manager.

In her new role, Phillips will lead the development of new products in collaboration with customers and guide businesses on sustainability within the nonwovens industry. Alongside this, she will support the manufacturing process by optimizing fiber blends and adapting existing products for more technical applications.

Rachel Douglas Phillips

Phillips brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in textile science and technology. In her previous role as Business Development manager at NIRI (Nonwovens Innovation and Research Institute), Phillips managed key accounts, including clients listed on the Fortune 500, a reflection of her technical expertise and commercial insight.

This appointment is a key step in Think Group’s aim to develop the next generation of high-performance, sustainable fiber products, helping customers navigate new technologies and emerging scientific advancements.

Phillips commented on her new role: “I’m really excited to join Think Group and contribute to the development of innovative nonwoven products, as well as being part of new fiber initiatives. It’s a great opportunity to be part of a business that’s committed to sustainability and forward-thinking solutions.”

Think Group’s new technical & sustainability manager is particularly looking forward to being involved in product development from concept through to commercialization, supporting the sales team to identify new markets, and helping them fully understand the technical capabilities and performance markers of new fibers.

Danny Shortall, Group Sales director, added: “Rachel has a proven track record of using her deep technical understanding of nonwovens to develop exciting new products. This is a highly specialised skill set, and we believe Rachel can bring a tremendous amount of knowledge, expertise and experience to our group.

Posted: August 11, 2025

Source: Think Group

STFI 17th Colloquium On Recycling For Textiles With Accompanying Trade Exhibition In Chemnitz

CHEMNITZ, Germany  — August 11, 2025 —December 3-4 2025, the 17th colloquium on recycling for textiles will take place at the Hotel Chemnitzer Hof. The event brings together experts from industry, science and research to present and discuss current developments, technologies and business models for a sustainable circular economy in the textile industry.

Shaping the future – closing cycles

The STFI colloquium ‘recycling for textiles’ is the networking
event for the textile circular economy (here the 16th collo-
quium in 2023).

The thematic focus is on technologies for textile recycling, circular and sustainable textile products, and the implementation of circular economy principles. Other topics include the collection, sorting and management of textile waste, as well as successful cooperation models for a circular textile industry. A concluding pitch session offers start-ups and universities the opportunity to present innovative ideas and solutions as forward-looking alternatives to conventional processes.

Trade exhibition celebrates its premiere

For the first time, the colloquium will be accompanied by a trade exhibition. Companies, research institutions and service providers will present their products, services and latest research and development results. The trade exhibition offers participants numerous opportunities for direct exchange and the initiation of new collaborations – supported by networking opportunities during conference breaks, at the business lunch and the evening event.

“The colloquium has established itself as an important platform for professional exchange in the textile industry. With the new trade exhibition, we are expanding the concept to include a valuable component for direct knowledge transfer and the presentation of innovative solutions,” explained Johannes Leis, STFI expert for textile recycling and circular economy.

Registration and programme

Participation is possible after prior online registration. The complete programme and registration details can be found at:

https://www.stfi.de/veranstaltungen/kolloquium-re4tex

This event will be held in German.

Posted: August 11, 2025

Source: Sächsisches Textilforschungsinstitut e.V. (STFI)

Hai Robotics Appoints Adrian Stoch As CEO Americas

ATLANTA — August 11, 2025 — Hai Robotics, a global provider of warehouse automation for inventory storage and order fulfillment, today announced the appointment of Adrian Stoch as CEO Americas, further expanding its U.S. leadership team to meet growing regional demand.

Adrian Stoch

The appointment marks a strategic milestone as Hai Robotics accelerates its growth across the Americas and continues to deliver advanced Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) to some of the world’s most dynamic supply chains.

Stoch, a visionary operations executive with three decades of experience driving global supply chain transformation, brings deep expertise at the intersection of automation, AI and logistics. He joins Hai following senior leadership roles at Fortune 500 companies including Target and, most recently, GXO Logistics, where he served as chief automation officer and built the company’s global automation function from the ground up — spearheading several industry-first initiatives that strengthened GXO’s position as a logistics leader.

Known for his strategic vision and executional rigor, Stoch specializes in leveraging advanced automation to drive operational excellence and unlock untapped value, applying a customer-first approach across industries and environments.

“I’m honored to join Hai Robotics at such a pivotal time,” Stoch said. “My top priority will be tackling one of the toughest challenges in warehouse automation: reliability at scale. Customers don’t want shiny innovation — they want practical solutions that deliver value and solve major supply chain problems. I look forward to driving Hai’s promise of reliable innovation by ensuring our industry-leading solutions are built to perform with consistency, confidence and measurable impact.”

“I’m thrilled to welcome Adrian as CEO of the Americas,” said Richie Chen, Founder and CEO of Hai Robotics. “His passion for customer success aligns with our No. 1 value: being customer-obsessed. At Hai, we don’t just sell robots — we deliver impactful results. I’m confident that under Adrian’s leadership, Hai Americas will reach new levels of customer satisfaction and team excellence.”

Stoch’s appointment underscores Hai Robotics’ investment in world-class talent as demand rises for smart, flexible automation solutions that can easily adapt to changing warehouse environments and evolving customer needs.

He will officially begin his new role on Aug. 18, 2025.

Posted: August 11, 2025

Source: Hai Robotics

Where The Future Of Fibers Is Forged: Dornbirn GFC 2025 Sets The Stage For Transformation

VIENNA, Austria — August 11, 2025 — As the global fiber and textile industry stands at the crossroads of transformation, the Dornbirn Global Fiber Congress (GFC) returns September 10–12, 2025, as the leading platform where ideas become innovation.

More than 100 international experts will take the stage in Dornbirn, Austria, to share pioneering solutions in response to the most pressing challenges of our time — from circular economy breakthroughs to decarbonization strategies and next-gen materials.

In a world demanding smarter, cleaner, and faster progress, Dornbirn GFC remains the space where the industry comes to rethink, connect, and move forward.

Dornbirn GFC Innovation Days: From Vision to Market Impact

As part of the 5th Dornbirn GFC Innovation Days, pioneering companies, ambitious start-ups, and leading research institutions from the global fiber industry will showcase breakthrough solutions with real-world relevance.

This year, for the first time, the Dornbirn GFC Innovation Award will be presented – celebrating the most compelling innovation that combines technical ingenuity with successful market application.

“This award is not just about a good idea — it’s about a good idea that makes a difference, shapes industries, and reaches the market,” said Matthias W. Gluth, managing director of the Austrian Fibers Institute.

Dornbirn GFC 2025: Focus on Workwear & Defense – Experts Discuss the Future of Functional Protective Textiles

This year’s Dornbirn GFC puts a spotlight on a key topic: Workwear & Defense. In 16 expert presentations across 4 dedicated sessions, leading professionals from industry, research, and application fields will explore current developments and future requirements for functional textiles used in workwear, protective clothing, and defense applications.

Key topics include technological innovation, sustainability, material performance, and changing regulatory frameworks. The presentations will cover smart textile systems, flame-retardant fibers, textile sensors, and solutions designed for extreme environments.

With this strong thematic focus, Dornbirn GFC 2025 offers a key platform for interdisciplinary exchange on the next generation of safety, protection, and high-performance textiles.

Key players from the industry including Lenzing AG (AUT), XTencate (USA), Textil Santanderina S.A. (SPA), Kermel SAS (FRA), PBI (GER), Klopman – TDV International (GER), XLANCE Srl (ITA), and many others, will be contributing valuable insights into market and innovations.

Pilot Launch of MICRO|FORCE at Dornbirn GFC 2025

The Dornbirn GFC will host the pilot launch of MICRO|FORCE, a global initiative addressing microfiber and microplastic challenges through fact-based dialogue and cross-sector collaboration.

In cooperation with the Technical University of Crete, SCRiBBs, and the TU Wien, MICRO|FORCE connects science, industry, and policy to foster constructive, solution-oriented discussions.

The pilot includes interactive expert workshops and live panels in Dornbirn and GFC Asia, contributing to an educational social media series (YouTube) designed to inform, engage, and inspire change across the textile value chain. By moving beyond fear-based narratives, MICRO|FORCE aims to translate insights into action — driving regulatory alignment and tangible solutions to reduce microfiber pollution.

Among the highlights of this year’s program:

The Dornbirn GFC 2025 will once again serve as the international stage where the world’s leading innovators, researchers, and industry players converge to exchange ideas and drive the transformation of the fiber and textile sector. This year’s program puts an even stronger spotlight on collaborative action, breakthrough innovation, and the shift toward circularity.

  • A dedicated REHUBS session showcasing the latest fiber-to-fiber recycling strategies and infrastructure developments across Europe.
  • The premiere of the Dornbirn GFC Innovation Award, where selected startups will pitch live to a jury and audienc, spotlighting breakthrough technologies ready to scale.
  • The official launch of MICRO|FORCE, a global multi-stakeholder initiative addressing microplastic pollution in fibers, developed in collaboration with Technical University of Crete, TU Wien, and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

“Our industry is at a crossroads. The urgency to decarbonize, rethink systems, and deliver scalable circular solutions has never been higher. But as Churchill said, ‘Never let a good crisis go to waste,’” said Robert van de Kerkhof, President of the Austrian Fiber Institute. “At Dornbirn GFC 2025, we’re not just reflecting on the challenges—we’re spotlighting the solutions. This congress is a call to action for those ready to move from intent to impact.”

64th Dornbirn GFC & 5th Innovation Days takes place from September 10–12 in Dornbirn, Austria.

For full program details and registration, visit www.dornbirn-gfc.com.

Posted: August 11, 2025

Source: Dornbirn Global Fiber Congress (GFC)

Organik Kimya Expands Liquid Emulsion Polymer Capacity, Giving Customers Faster Deliveries And Rock‑Solid Supply During Peak Season

ISTANBUL — July 30, 2025 — Organik Kimya has brought a new state‑of‑the‑art reactor on‑line at its Istanbul site, adding significant capacity for its water‑based liquid emulsion polymers. More than a capacity upgrade, the investment is designed to give customers what they tell us they value most: shorter lead times, dependable supply at the height of seasonal demand, and headroom for innovation.

“Every tonne we add is measured against two customer metrics: ‘lead‑time to dock’ and ‘on‑time in‑full during peak season,’” explained Tansel Özyönüm, COO. “This new reactor helps us ship quicker when schedules are tight and keep our partners’ lines running when the market is at full throttle.”

Turning capacity into customer advantage

  • Shorter lead times: Parallel reactor trains reduce make‑to‑order cycle times, enabling just‑in‑time deliveries and trimming customers’ working‑capital tied up in inventory.
  • Peak‑season assurance: Extra swing capacity absorbs the sharp demand spikes typical in architectural and functional coatings, construction chemicals, textile binders and leather chemicals, water-based pressure‑sensitive adhesives and specialty paper applications.
  • Supply‑chain resilience: minimize disruption risk for procurement teams.
  • Co‑innovation bandwidth: Freed‑up production windows create space for pilot runs, custom grades and rapid scale‑ups without queueing behind high‑volume orders.

A portfolio that grows with you

The new reactor complements last year’s launch of Turkey’s second high‑tech spray dryer for redispersible powder polymers (RDP), which doubled powder output while cutting energy consumption by 15 percent. Together, the liquid‑and‑powder investments allow Organik Kimya to serve customers with integrated solutions that combine:

  • Acrylic water-based emulsions for low‑VOC coatings, inks and textile finishes.
  • High‑solids, low‑viscosity latexes for next‑generation pressure‑sensitive adhesives.
  • Performance‑engineered RDPs that boost workability and strength in cementitious construction products.

All products are backed by Industry 4.0 process control, fully automated packaging and global technical service hubs that help customers translate raw‑material quality into end‑product performance.

Investing where it counts

Organik Kimya exports to more than 100 countries and is actively opening new markets. Organik Kimya will continue to invest—so you can plan with confidence, innovate without bottlenecks, and meet your own customers’ expectations every day of the year.

Posted: August 8, 2025

Source: Organik Kimya

AATCC Dedicates Colorlab To Roland L. Connelley Sr.

DURHAM, N.C. — August 8, 2025 — On May 15, 2025, AATCC dedicated the newly refurbished ColorLab in honor of Roland L. Connelly Sr. The dedication ceremony took place at the AATCC Technical Center, and his memory was honored by the presence of close friends and family. In attendance were his wife, Lynn Connelly, son Lee Connelly, his brother Wes Connelly, and his sister-in-law Pat Connelly.

Roland founded RoLyn Group, a consulting service specializing in color and lighting. He served as director of Global Digital Supply Chain for X-Rite Inc. from 2005-2012. Before that, he was the director of Enterprise Color Management at GretagMacbeth, which merged with X-Rite in 2005.

Earlier in his career, Roland was the President and co-owner of SheLyn Inc. from 1987 to 2003. Prior to founding SheLyn, he managed the Color Laboratory at Burlington Industries Corp. R&D for 18 years. With more than 40 years of experience, Roland was an expert in all aspects of color management and control.

(left to right) Roland’s brother and his wife, Wes Connelly and Pat Connelly, AATCC President, Christina Rapa, Roland’s wife, Lynn Connelly, and his son, Lee Connelly.

He frequently lectured and authored numerous papers on topics such as lighting, colorant formulation, quality control, supply chain management, and instrumental UV calibration. Roland held several leadership roles, including President of AATCC, Chair of RA36 Color Measurement Committee, and member of the AATCC Board of Directors. He received the AATCC Chapin Service Award and served as President of the Inter Society Color Council (ISCC), among other duties. He was active in ASTM Committee E12 on Color and Appearance and the CIE (International Commission on Illumination). He also represented the US in ISO TC38 for Textiles.

Roland, along with a few others, was instrumental in developing and conducting AATCC’s first Color Management workshop in 1977. He served as course instructor for many years until his retirement. Under his guidance, RA36 draft and maintained several AATCC standards. Roland played a key role in establishing the Textile Ultraviolet Control Standard (TUVCS) program, which helps labs improve the repeatability, reproducibility, and quality of their electronic color management and communication for white and light-colored textile materials.

Commemorating Roland’s contributions to AATCC, his personal spectrophotometer with his orange tie, which was graciously donated by his wife, and an issue of the AATCC Review where he is recognized as AATCC’s new president in January of 2003.

Roland earned his Bachelor of Science in Textile Science and Mater of Science in Color Science from Clemson University. Roland was involved in the AATCC Foundation, and has a fellowship named after him to aid graduate students studying at Clemson University. He was a dedicated friend and advocate of AATCC. In honor of his contributions, AATCC gratefully accepted the donation of Roland’s personal spectrophotometer, thanks to the generosity of his beloved spouse, Lynn Connelly.

Posted: August 8, 2025

Source: The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC)

Deakin University’s Recycling Hub (REACH), Samsara Eco Unite To Transform Textile Recycling With Enzyme Technology

GEELONG, Australia — August 8, 2025 — Australia’s war on waste has a powerful new ally, Deakin University’s Recycling and Clean Energy Commercialization Hub (REACH).

Deakin’s Associate Professor Chris Hurren and Dylan Hegh with Samsara Eco’s Nirupama Jayasinghe, Keats Nelms and Jeremy Nugent. Photo — Mike Dugdale

REACH has joined forces with Samsara Eco to fast-track world-first technology that could recycle plastics and textiles, previously considered unrecyclable, that would take centuries to eliminate from the environment.

Textile waste is one of the world’s most persistent environmental issues, driven by fast fashion, high consumption and poor disposal practices. In Australia, synthetic fibers like nylon and polyester make up almost 60 per cent of the materials used in clothing, yet with less than one per cent of discarded garments recycled into new clothes, most end up in landfill or are incinerated, adding to pollution and harmful emissions.

Samsara Eco’s AI-designed enzymes break down fossil-fuel derived materials like synthetic fibers, including nylon 6,6 and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into their original building blocks or monomers — allowing them to be rebuilt into new products with virgin-quality performance.

The collaboration will see Samsara Eco lean into Deakin’s advanced chemical analysis and polymer processing expertise to better understand and find recycling solutions for specific additives like dyes, finishes and coatings present in textile waste.

‘We are laser-focused on creating true circularity and that means finding a solve for all plastics,’ said Founder and CEO at Samsara Eco Paul Riley. ‘This research supports our efforts to make this a reality. We’ve already come a long way with our enzymatic recycling technology, which can infinitely recycle PET and nylon 6,6 plastics used for clothing and other textiles, including mixed fibers and plastics. Our research collaboration with Deakin will support our efforts to recycle more waste at speed, scale and with precision.’

Deakin-Samsara tour of IFM and BioFactory. Photo — Mike Dugdale

Unlike mechanical recycling, which degrades the quality of materials and limits recyclability, Samsara Eco’s enzymatic depolymerization technology is making it possible to rebuild worn or contaminated textiles into virgin-equivalent materials.

Distinguished Professor Colin Barrow, chair in Biotechnology at Deakin’s School of Life and Environmental Sciences said: “Our research tackles a critical challenge in textile recycling – understanding how dyes, textile finishes, coatings and other chemical treatments affect the breakdown and rebuilding of synthetic fibers, including other types of polyester and nylon to repurpose into new products.

“We are exploring solutions by analyzing these contaminants and determining their impact on textile recycling processes, to make it possible to produce high-performance recycled materials from all types of waste feedstock.”

Associate Professor Chris Hurren from Deakin’s Institute for Frontier Materials is also collaborating on the project and said: “By testing how these materials perform in real-world polymerisation and processing, we’re helping to refine the recycling pipeline and bring closed-loop textile recycling closer to commercial reality.”

With growing global pressure on the textile industry to cut emissions and reduce waste, Associate Professor Hurren says this technology could revolutionize the sector — delivering both environmental and economic benefits.

‘We’re working to unlock a scalable, circular future for fashion — one that reduces reliance on harmful inputs and keeps textiles out of landfill.’

Samsara Eco has a 10-year agreement with global activewear brand lululemon to support approximately 20 percent of its overall fiber portfolio with its recycled materials. This builds on previous collaborations between the two, launching the world’s first enzymatically recycled nylon 6,6 garment, recreating their iconic Swiftly top, and a limited-edition Packable Anorak jacket — the first retail garment made from enzymatically recycled polyester.

With their first commercial facility set to open in Jerrabomberra later this year, Samsara Eco’s 2030 vision is to recycle half a billion clothing items and 10 billion plastic bottles annually, avoiding hundreds of thousands of tonnes of carbon emissions.

“We’re uniquely positioned to recycle mixed plastics and fibers,” Riley said. ‘We’re taking post-industrial and post-consumer waste to create new products and are already working with helping brands to swap virgin inputs for our low carbon, enzymatically recycled materials, which plug directly into existing supply chains.

“Together with Deakin’s researchers, we can find further recycling solves to keep more out of landfill and in circulation.”

Posted: August 8, 2025

Source: Deakin University’s Recycling and Clean Energy Commercialization Hub (REACH)

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