Textiles Recycling Expo 2026 records strong visitor growth at second edition
The second edition of the Textiles Recycling Expo concluded on 24–25 June 2026 at Brussels Expo, bringing together businesses, policymakers, technology providers and sustainability experts focused on advancing textile recycling and circularity across Europe.
Following a successful debut last year, the 2026 edition attracted 5,607 visitors over two days, reflecting growing industry interest in recycling technologies, circular business models and sustainable material sourcing. This year’s event was held alongside Future Fabrics Expo for the first time, giving visitors access to both exhibitions and creating broader opportunities for business networking and knowledge sharing.
More than 169 exhibitors presented solutions covering the full textile recycling value chain. The exhibition included technologies for textile collection and sorting, fibre regeneration, recycling machinery, AI-supported automation, digital traceability, circular materials and manufacturing solutions.
The conference featured 71 speakers from leading global brands, industry organisations and public institutions. Representatives from H&M, On, Volkswagen, DHL, Shein, Textile Exchange, Primark, Fashion for Good, the European Commission, the European Environment Agency (EEA), UNEP, EURATEX and PCIAW shared their perspectives on policy developments, recycling infrastructure, supply chain collaboration and market challenges.
A new feature this year was the Reju VIP Lounge, which offered a dedicated meeting space for exhibitors, partners and invited guests. Positioned at its entrance was a large textile elephant installation, highlighting textile waste as the industry’s “elephant in the room.” The display became a popular talking point and reinforced the event’s focus on finding practical solutions for textile waste.
The expanded Industry Alliance Hub also attracted strong interest throughout the exhibition. Seven organisations including EURATEX, UKFT, PCIAW, ReHubs, Accelerating Circularity, Fedustria and Denim Deal used the space to promote collaboration across the textile value chain and discuss shared approaches to building a circular economy.
Visitors also received complimentary access to Future Fabrics Expo, allowing them to explore sustainable materials, new fibre developments and alternative textile solutions alongside recycling technologies.
Another highlight was the first-ever Textiles Recycling Awards, which recognised organisations and individuals making significant contributions to textile circularity and sustainability. Winners across six categories included Beyond Retro, Elis, Green Worms Waste Management Private Limited, Circ, Renasens and Epoch Biodesign.
The strong turnout and wider industry participation reflected the continued growth of the global textile recycling sector, as companies and organisations work together to increase recycling capacity, improve material recovery and support circular production systems.
Organisers have already confirmed that the Textiles Recycling Expo will return to Brussels Expo on 16–17 June 2027. To accommodate continued growth, the event will move to Hall 5, providing additional exhibition space for exhibitors, visitors and new event features.
