The Accelerating Circularity program aims to recycle consumer goods to produce home textiles, hotel linens, denim, knit tees, activewear and outerwear. It aims to recycle millions of pounds of end-of-life textiles from landfills. The new venture is funded by a grant from the Walmart Foundation and operates with support from Gap Inc, Nike, Target, Tencel and VF Corporation,etc. Participants in the project include brands, retailers, chemical recyclers, mechanical recyclers and companies producing polyester and cotton.

The program estimates about 35 per cent of post-consumer textile goods are readily suitable for recycling, with 45 per cent potentially suitable and another 20 per cent not likely. Readily recyclable materials contain either pure cotton or pure polyester. This group also includes materials with more than 50 per cent cotton content.

Potentially recyclable materials could be returned into the production stream with the commercialization of technologies that can accept a wider range of inputs such as nylon, man-made cellulosics or a low percentage of elastane, says Janel Twogood, Research Analyst at the organization.

Post-consumer products currently considered unlikely for circular production include those with certain coatings and finishings as well as well as those made from multiple materials and metallic fibers.

Accelerating Circularity plans to start phasing pilots by next summer. The long horizon of the whole project is about 24 months to allow time for testing and business case documentation, she added. The group also plans to invite textile manufacturers, brands and retailers to join in the effort.