Textile Recycling Sees Flurry of Activity
While the industry awaits legislation to advance textile recycling, the circular actors continue to forge ahead.
Worn Again Technologies, known for its polymer recycling technology, has joined the Alliance of Textile Chemical Recyclers (ACTR). Fronted by Accelerating Circularity, the new organization “aims to provide the textile industry with accurate information on textile chemical recycling through a unified voice” via educational opportunities. The first step, the alliance said, is creating a “dictionary,” so to speak, of common terms to unify and educate the industry on the chemical recycling process.
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Worn Again Technologies and members including Renewcell and Lenzing are “committed to delivering sustainable initiatives,” such as ensuring a sustainably sourced supply chain, advocating for chemical recycling textile solutions and assisting brands and retailers in their journey toward reducing their carbon footprints.
“Becoming a member of the ACTR underscores our commitment to revolutionizing the textile industry,” Erik Koep, CEO at Worn Again Technologies, said. “The potential of chemical recycling is vast, promising end products with quality akin to virgin fibers and the opportunity for further reuse. As leading experts in the chemical recycling of textiles, we bring technical know-how that will help drive impactful outreach activities across the industry. Together, we’re not just imagining a world without textile waste, we’re actively helping to build it.”
Another company helping to build a world without textile waste is Hybridworks, a startup looking to make a mark in the market, valued at 4.63 billion in 2022, according to Grand View Research.
The textile recycling company received a $3.2 million seed-series equity investment from a private Midwest-based investor—marking a “significant milestone” in Hybridworks’ mission to “revolutionize” the industry with energy-efficient and scalable renewable textile technology.
“This investment marks a pivotal moment for Hybridworks,” said Bob Fesmire Sr., Hybridworks CEO. “It not only validates the breakthrough status of our technology, but also strengthens our resolve to drive positive change in the textile industry.”
Founded in 2020, Hybridworks developed a two-phase patent-pending process and custom machinery to recycle blended textiles labeled as end-of-life. The Dayton, Ohio-based company’s system separates the cotton from the polyester, resulting in high-integrity cotton that can be respun into new fiber. The recovered polyester is separated into terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol—the two primary chemicals necessary to make polyester and plastic—which are spun into new fiber or mixed with virgin fiber to make fiber with recycled content. The method also saves labor, uses 24 times less water than conventional textile processing systems and lowers energy costs, the company said. Hybridworks is developing a pilot plant that it expects to open in a few months, and is signing partnerships as well.
“Textile recycling solutions have never been more in-demand than at this very moment,” James “Bud” Honshell, Hybridworks’ founder and COO, said. Honshell founded Hybridworks after seeing firsthand the need for textile recycling solutions throughout his 50-year career in the industry. “Hybridworks is well-positioned to establish our next-level technologies as a cornerstone of textile sustainability efforts worldwide.”
The investment follows a $300,000 pre-seed raise from angel investors and the founder team last year. This new equity investment will allow the company to expand its research and development capabilities and production infrastructure.
Hybridworks’ executives, Honshell and Fesmire, are textile industry veterans with a business relationship that goes back three decades. Fesmire is the chairman of Ellis Corporation and Ludell Water Systems, which claims to be the first industrial laundry manufacturer to venture into water waste management services.
Meanwhile, private investment firm Greybull Stewardship acquired RTCM Holdings, a group of textile recycling and distribution companies, for an undisclosed amount. Former Diamond Mattress president Craig McAndrews has been named CEO of RTCM.
“We are pleased to announce our investment in RTCM, an industry leader in the highly fragmented recycled textiles market. Over its history, RTCM has helped keep millions of pounds of textiles out of landfills and we’re proud to support this environmental mission,” Sasha Kovriga, partner at Greybull, said. “RTCM’s rich heritage and expertise coupled with its loyal base of customers makes it a strong player in the space, and we’re looking forward to supporting the organization as it scales operations. We’re also excited to welcome Craig McAndrews as president and CEO to the RTCM team. Craig is a seasoned executive who brings a wealth of B2B and direct-to-consumer experience to RTCM.”
Greybull plans on helping the textile recycling company scale by entering emerging markets and expanding automation. RTCM has been in the reclaimed textile space for over 30 years through ventures including Reclaimed Industrial Cleaning Clothes, Recycled Shoes & Clothing, and World Wear Project.
“I am thrilled to step into the role of CEO and join a talented team that is dedicated to making the world a better place,” McAndrews said in a statement. “RTCM is strategically positioned to expand and strengthen its market presence. I look forward to collaborating with the Greybull team to harness the growth opportunities that are ahead.”
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