Turning textile waste into fashion—a circular textile solution

The Circular Garment was publicly unveiled at Circular Textile Days in Den Bosch, Netherlands, on 10–11 September 2025. Developed under the EU-funded RegioGreenTex project and coordinated by EURATEX (European Apparel and Textile Confederation), this garment represents a collaborative effort across multiple European regions to demonstrate how textile waste can be transformed into high-quality clothing without compromising comfort or durability.

From Waste to Wearable

The garment’s development followed a transparent and traceable process, involving several specialized organizations at each stage:

• Concept and Design Led by Soraya Wancour of Quest Impact Design Studio, the design phase focused on aesthetics and functionality while adhering to circular principles.

• Yarn Development CITEVE and RISE Research Institutes of Sweden contributed to the creation of yarns suitable for reuse, ensuring material integrity and performance.

• Raw Material Transformation Sasia and SaXcell handled the conversion of textile waste into usable raw materials. SaXcell, in particular, is known for its cellulose-based fiber derived from post-consumer textiles.

• Fabric Creation Multiple textile producers participated in fabric development, including DE MARTINI BAYART & TEXTIFIBRA S.P.A., DBT FIBRE S.P.A., TEXTILE DE LA THIERACHE, and Tintex Textiles. Their combined expertise ensured the fabric met quality standards for durability and comfort.

• Garment Crafting and Finishing Final assembly and finishing were completed by KATTY FASHION and OFFICINA39, both of which emphasized sustainable production practices and traceability.

A Blueprint for Collaboration

The Circular Garment is more than a product—it serves as a model for how regional textile ecosystems can work together. Each contributor brought specialized knowledge, and the process was designed to be replicable across other regions and projects. The garment’s lifecycle—from waste collection to finished product—was documented to promote transparency and encourage adoption of similar practices.

Event Highlights

Circular Textile Days provided a platform for stakeholders to engage with the garment firsthand. The event focused on circularity in textiles, showcasing projects that align with EU sustainability goals. Attendees included industry professionals, researchers, and policymakers interested in scalable solutions for textile waste.

Context and Relevance

The RegioGreenTex initiative supports the European Union’s broader goals for circular economy development. By connecting regional textile hubs and fostering innovation in material reuse, the project aims to reduce environmental impact and strengthen local economies. EURATEX, as the coordinating body, plays a central role in aligning industry efforts with policy frameworks.