From the Sector

In 2026, the Industry Research Group (IRG) Polymer Recycling once again brought together some of the key stakeholders in textile recycling for its annual Networking Day. This year, the event took place at EREMA’s premises in Ansfelden, Austria. It brought together key players from across the textile recycling value chain for a day of structured exchange and in-depth discussions.

The conversations covered a broad range of topics relevant to the sector, including technological developments, current market dynamics, and the evolving political and regulatory landscape. Speakers from Zschimmer & Schwarz, Volkswagen Group Innovation, STRÄHLE+HESS, and the Technical University of Leoben provided substantive input across these areas. The interesting discussions were also possible thanks to our IRG partners: Bekaert, EREMA, Barmag, Stadler Anlagenbau, Technip Energies, Fibrant, BASF and Remondis.

The IRG extends its sincere thanks to EREMA for hosting the event and providing access to their technical centre, which added a valuable practical dimension to the day's programme.

The next IRG Full-Term Meeting is scheduled for autumn 2026. The Networking Day will return in 2027.

The IRG Polymer Recycling is a continuously running cooperation project between companies interested in the research field of textile recycling and the ITA Group. The aim is to systematically address technological, economic and strategic issues regarding textile recycling and create a strong network to tackle the challenges. 

At Carrington Textiles, we are pleased to announce the publication of the third Sustainability Report from the RTS Textiles Group, showcasing another year of progress towards more responsible manufacturing across our global operations.

The report reflects continued investment in technologies and initiatives that improve environmental performance while supporting long-term business resilience. From renewable energy and water stewardship to circular economy projects and product innovation, sustainability remains embedded in how we operate across the Group.

Among this year's highlights is the completion of a new wastewater treatment plant in Pakistan, significantly strengthening water treatment capacity at CTi ahead of becoming operational later this year. The site has also expanded its circular economy initiatives through the reuse of biomass and coal ash in brick manufacturing and projects that support local biodiversity.

At MGC in Portugal, investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency has continued, with solar generation capacity increasing to 8.3 MW and further projects underway to reduce natural gas consumption and carbon emissions. At Pincroft in the UK, continued progress has been made through Combined Heat and Power (CHP), the ongoing development of its Carbon Roadmap and wider decarbonisation initiatives.

The report also highlights how the RTS Textiles Group continues to expand the use of innovative fibres and technologies that combine comfort, protection and performance with a reduced environmental impact, supporting customers in achieving their own sustainability objectives.

John Vareldzis, CEO of RTS Textiles Group, said: "Building on the foundations established in previous years, this report highlights our progress and reaffirms our commitment to responsible manufacturing, innovation and transparency across our global operations."

Textile production can be organized sustainably by utilizing short supply chains and preventing overproduction. This can already be achieved today by intelligently connecting and efficiently utilizing existing infrastructure. At the same time, production becomes circular when innovative technologies and materials are used that enable high-quality recycling. The ALADIN research project, launched in May 2026 and co-funded with five million euros under the EU Horizon Europe program, is creating the conditions for this.

Under the coordination of the German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF), ten European project partners are developing and integrating platforms, technologies, and viable business models for circular textile production over four years. ALADIN stands for Advanced LocAl and Digital Innovation Network for Circular Garments and aims to establish viable business models for circular textile production.

The concept is based on four pillars:

• A digital platform for services provided by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
• Regional cooperation to promote local production
• Technologies for recycling strategies
• Local and renewable raw materials

The project partners come from six different countries (Germany, Romania, Belgium, France, Czechia, Italy) and bring a wide range of expertise to the table, for example in the areas of design, embroidery, printing, digitalization, recycling, AI, and microfactory production.

This diverse range of experiences enables a high-performance digital infrastructure for B2B and B2B2C relationships. The partners will develop innovative technologies such as a Digital Product Passport module, or an AI-supported ecodesign assistant and apparel textiles including ring-spun recycled cotton yarns, while ensuring a broad transfer of project results to make a lasting impact. This will result in a network that jointly utilizes the infrastructure - from design and production to customer service and recycling.

To validate the approach, three specific use cases are being implemented: a semi-automated T-shirt, a smart parka, and a circular, versatile blazer dress. These products use sustainable materials such as bio-based fibers and recycled textiles, which are processed in a way that makes them easier to recycle at the end of their life cycle. Production takes place locally in microfactories, and the products are custom-made according to customer specifications.

In addition, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), startups and further stakeholders will be actively involved in two Open Calls. Innovations within the ecosystem are also promoted, for example in the areas of automation, production technologies, and digital services.

In the long term, the project aims to establish a Europe-wide network of microfactories, create new jobs, and significantly increase the use of sustainable materials. At the same time, the project intends to reduce waste and strengthen regional value creation.

To this end, ALADIN brings together industry, customers, policymakers, and academia - to promote sustainable, circular textile production. In this way, ALADIN will also serve as a model for similar networks, thereby multiplying the positive effects on the market and the environment.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101294463. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HADEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.