nova talk #2: Textile Recycling: quo vadis? Just a hype or the next big thing?

Following the successful kick-off of nova talks, the second edition turns to one of the most pressing and controversial topics in the transition towards a circular textile economy. Under the title “Textile Recycling: quo vadis? Just a hype or the next big thing?”, this interactive online session will explore whether current developments signal a genuine systemic shift – or whether the momentum risks fading before large-scale impact is achieved.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_sp3uSwv4RvCmqNkI1hvxeA

Three experts will guide the discussion: moderator Asta Partanen (nova-Institute), together with Heli Kangas (Valmet) and Melina Sachtleben (Institut für Textiltechnik der RWTH Aachen University (ITA)), exchange on their different perspectives from industry, research, and policy on the status quo of textile recycling.

Innovations in AI-based sorting and fibre-to-fibre recycling are addressing long-standing challenges such as complex material blends and quality consistency. Mechanical and chemical recycling processes are progressing beyond pilot stage, yet questions remain about scalability, cost competitiveness and reliable feedstock supply.

At the same time, evolving policy frameworks in EU – including separate textile collection in place, recycled content targets and extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes – are redefining market conditions. Clear and coherent regulation will be crucial to unlock investment and enable large-scale infrastructure.

Looking ahead, investment in chemical recycling, upscaling strategies and growing brand demand for recycled fibres could turn textile recycling into a key pillar of the renewable carbon economy – if technological and economic hurdles can be overcome.

Experts in Textile Recycling and Cellulosic Fibres

Valmet is a leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries. With a strong focus on circularity and resource efficiency, the company supports industrial solutions that advance recycling, fibre processing and the transition towards a more sustainable, renewable carbon economy. Heli Kangas, Development Manager at Valmet, provides her expertise and insights from an industrial perspective.

The Institute for Textile Technology (ITA) at RWTH Aachen University is one of Europe’s leading research centres for textile science and engineering, covering the entire value chain from fibre materials and textile production technologies to smart and sustainable textile solutions. ITA’s work spans high-performance fibres, advanced manufacturing, technical and functional textiles, as well as circularity and recycling research, linking cutting-edge innovation with industrial applications and academic teaching. Melina Sachtleben, Research Assistant at ITA, discusses the topic from a more research-oriented perspective.

Hosted by nova-Institute

nova-Institute is an independent research and science-based consultancy focused on sustainability and renewable carbon cycles. It supports the chemicals, plastics and materials industries in replacing fossil carbon with renewable carbon from biomass, carbon capture and utilisation (CCU), and recycling. Its goal is to defossilise carbon-dependent sectors and enable a circular, climate-neutral carbon economy.

Hosted and moderated by Dr. Asta Partanen, Senior Expert at nova-Institute, the unique nova talk format encourages lively discussions and dialogue with the audience, who are actively invited to ask questions. nova-Institute ensures professional hosting and moderation, guaranteeing consistently high-quality and in-depth content.

This nova talk is sponsored by Valmet. Textile Technology supports the format as a media partner.

Register here free of charge: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_sp3uSwv4RvCmqNkI1hvxeA

Source

nova-Institute, original text, 2026-02-03.

Supplier

Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) – RWTH Aachen
nova-Institut GmbH
Valmet

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