STOCKHOLM – Recycling technology company Renewcell will work with textile traceability specialists TextileGenesis to offer full traceability for Circulose, the recycled raw material produced from discarded textiles.
Renewcell’s patented process breaks down and recycles cotton and other cellulosic textile waste to create Circulose, a biodegradable raw material that can be used to create viscose, lyocell, modal, acetate and other man-made cellulosic fibres. These fibres can be spun into yarns, woven or knitted into fabrics before being cut and sewn into new textile products.
The collaboration with TextileGenesis comes amid heightened interest from fashion brands in traceability in supply chains. The announcement was made at an industry event in Milan, Italy called Challenge the Fabric.
Renewcell will now be able to share digital traceability with customers and supply chain partners. The platform uses digital tokens to ensure a secure chain of custody for all supply chain processes from raw materials to retail.
TextileGenesis’ traceability solution captures real-time shipments, using digital tokens to verify point of origin and eliminate “double counting” of materials.
Its AI (augmented intelligence) engine verifies transactions along the supply chain. TextileGenesis is already working with fibre producers including Lenzing AG, Eastman, and Birla Cellulose on textile traceability.
“Since Renewcell was founded in 2012, we have been on a mission to create circularity in the fashion industry. We have the unique ability to make a pulp, branded as Circulose, made from 100 per cent textile waste which is actually recycleable again. Circulose can create new fibres which are equal in quality while reducing textile waste going to landfills,” said Patrik Lundstrom, Renewcell chief executive officer.
“Our new facility in Sundsvall, Sweden, is helping move us towards our goal of recycling the equivalent of more than 1.4 billion T-shirts per year. But we also need a trusted and transparent supply chain to ensure the authenticity of products made from Circulose from our facilities all the way to the retail consumer. That is what TextileGenesis brings to the table.”
“Traceability is fast becoming a key prerequisite to sustainable product offerings. Our partnership with Renewcell will create unprecedented supply chain traceability for Circulose pulp towards retail brands. It moves forward the sustainable fibres industry to create end-to-end traceability,” said Amit Gautum, TextileGenesis founder and chief executive officer. “Renewcell has engineered a truly circular process to make Circulose. TextileGenesis helps Renewcell verify every step of the supply chain and carry that authentic and transparent message all the way to their brand and retail partners.”
