CETIA (Centre Européen du Textile Innovant et de l’Automobile) has officially launched SensorHUB, an advanced sorting unit that uses artificial intelligence and multi-sensor technology to automatically identify and classify end-of-life garments and shoes.
Developed in collaboration with Italian technology leader Brustia Alfameccanica srl, known for its pioneering work in X-ray applications for textiles, SensorHUB combines 2D/3D vision systems, hyperspectral imaging, NIR sensors, and X-ray technologies to perform fast, precise sorting of used clothing and footwear.
Automating What the Human Eye Can’t See
As textile waste volumes continue to surge across Europe and beyond, the fashion industry urgently needs scalable solutions to redirect used garments to appropriate recycling streams. SensorHUB addresses this challenge head-on by identifying complex features such as material composition, color, type, and additional elements like zippers, rivets, and linings all in a single pass.
A Turning Point for Circular Fashion in France
Backed by Refashion, the eco-organization for textile waste, and supported by the Région Nouvelle-Aquitaine, the SensorHUB initiative aligns with France’s national goals for building a circular, sustainable, and economically viable recycling ecosystem. The project stands as a strategic response to EU directives and environmental mandates that call for more effective post-consumer textile management.
SensorHUB will enter real-world industrial testing this fall, and CETIA is actively inviting sorting operators, recyclers, and industrial stakeholders to collaborate in validating this next-generation solution.
This is a call to action. We need partners who want to be part of the future of textile recycling. The technology is ready and the industry is moving.
The CETIA team emphasized.
Why SensorHUB Matters: Key Features
- AI-powered sorting of textiles and shoes
- Automated identification of fiber types, accessories, and colors
- High-speed processing for industrial-scale operations
- Enables closed-loop recycling and sustainable textile reuse
- Strengthens France’s circular economy leadership
As countries race to meet climate goals and circular economy targets, SensorHUB puts France at the forefront of sustainable fashion innovation. With testing set to begin soon, this is a pivotal opportunity for industry players to engage with a powerful tool that can redefine waste management in textiles.
