In the textile recycling market, announcements continue to come thick and fast. RadiciGroup and Lycra have unveiled their process for polyamides, Kipas its integrated system for polyester, and Circulose is accelerating its solution for converting cotton into cellulosic fibres.

Radici and Lycra

Italian chemicals group RadiciGroup, via its R&D division Radici InNova, unveiled on December 16 a new "selective dissolution" process capable of treating garments made from fibre blends, long regarded as end-of-life, non-recyclable waste. Developed in a consortium with The Lycra Company and the Triumph brand, this patented technology uses non-toxic solvents to separate and recover polyamide and elastane as distinct streams. Unlike existing methods, the process preserves the elastic properties of the Lycra fibre, enabling its direct reintegration into high-end spinning cycles.

To demonstrate the industrial viability of this closed loop, the partners carried out a complete proof-of-concept using dormant stocks supplied by Triumph. The extracted materials were transformed into "Renycle" recycled polyamide yarn by Radici, then into new Lycra fibre, culminating in the manufacture of a fully recycled prototype lingerie set. While this pilot project validates the technical feasibility of processing hosiery and swimwear, the focus now shifts to scaling up: Triumph has announced that it is working on its first commercial capsule collection, while the consortium works to establish the traceability systems required for future industrialisation.

Kipas launches Fibr-e

Turkish yarn and fabric producer Kipas has announced the launch of Fibr-e, a molecular recycling solution targeting garments composed of 70% polyester. Developed with chemicals specialist Meltem Kimya, the process breaks down the material to produce GRS-certified "rTEX" granules that are decolourised and reusable without any loss of quality, while delivering an emissions reduction of almost 74% compared with virgin polyester production.

For Halit Gümüser, CEO of Kipas Textiles, this initiative marks the end of mere "pilot projects" and the start of an era of circularity at scale. By directly integrating these regenerated streams into its own spinning and weaving operations, the group intends to guarantee industrial volumes at competitive prices, enabling brands to anticipate tightening regulations. This vertically integrated model is therefore designed to scale up the recycling of heterogeneous textile waste into staple fibres and high-performance yarns.

Circulose confirms its relaunch

Relaunched in 2024 after a challenging period, Swedish manufacturer Circulose is now celebrating the success of its new strategy with the announcement of landmark partnerships with key players in international retail. After H&M, Mango and Marks & Spencer, the company has now brought on board Bestseller, C&A and John Lewis, as well as brands such as Filippa K, Reformation, Faherty, and Bobo Choses.

These long-term commitments aim to reintroduce its patented fibre derived from recycled cotton to the market at scale, positioning it as a direct, industrially scalable alternative to virgin viscose and lyocell (cellulosic materials derived from wood).

For Jonatan Janmark, the company's CEO, this commercial momentum crowns a year of "strategic reset" and intensive exchanges with buyers. These secured volumes are described as the essential lever for unlocking the next industrial production phase.

French companies Carbios and Rec

In France, recycling projects are also continuing. Carbios, a specialist in the bio-recycling of plastics by depolymerisation, is due to launch work in the first quarter of 2026 on a bio-recycling facility for plastics and synthetic fibres at the Chinese company Wankai's site (Zhink Group).

Focused on polyamide recycling, Ecollant has rebranded as Rec, and is launching construction of its industrial demonstrator in Burgundy for delivery in the spring.