Supported by the Walmart Foundation, Accelerating Circularity, Inc has launched the circular textile-to-textile supply system trials.

Built on the models presented in its March 2021 Modeling and Linking Report, the trials will move spent textiles through the entire circular system, from collection, sorting, feedstock pre-processing, fiber production, yarn spinning, and fabric production through product design, manufacture, marketing, and retail. The trials will leverage new systems and technology for digital identification of products and materials - enabling the identification, transparency, and circular product passports in the circular economy.

Based on research and intensive consultation with industry stakeholders, the trials will target the following key systems:

● Spent textile feedstocks: post-industrial, pre-consumer, and post-consumer

● Feedstock fibers: Cotton, polyester, and cotton-poly blends

● Recycling technologies: mechanical cotton, chemical cotton, mechanical polyester, chemical polyester

● Finished goods: t-shirts, denim, towels

Through its collaborative and consultative approach, the organization has already identified key collection strategies, including brand and retail take-back, plus potential system trial partners. Confirmed partners include members of the organization’s Steering Committee, comprised of leading brands and textile recyclers. “Connected product” innovator EON is also confirmed to participate in the trials to advise Accelerating Circularity on building robust, scalable traceability and transparency infrastructure for this emerging circular system.