Closing the Loop: Circularity in the Textile Industry

The textile industry is undergoing a major transformation. As climate change, resource depletion, and mounting textile waste intensify, there’s growing pressure to rethink how materials are designed, produced, used, and managed at the end of their life.

At the core of this movement is circularity: a design philosophy that moves beyond the take-make-dispose model toward systems that prioritize longevity, durability, recyclability, and responsible use. In this blog, we’ll explore what circularity means for the textile industry and how PolyCore is helping to drive the change.

What is Circularity in the Textile Industry?

At its core, circularity is a shift away from relying on virgin resources and toward a closed-loop system where materials are kept in use for as long as possible. This begins with thoughtful design that prioritizes durability and makes products easier to repair or recycle. Through strategies like reuse, repair, and material recovery, textiles can stay in circulation rather than being thrown away. Instead of ending up in a landfill, materials are reclaimed and reintroduced into the production process, reducing waste and limiting the need for new raw inputs.

The Current State of the Industry

Most products are still made using virgin materials, and globally, only a small portion of used textiles, like backpacks, outdoor gear, and other soft goods, are recycled back into new fibers. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, less than 1% of textiles are currently recycled into new products.

Challenges remain because many soft goods are constructed from mixed materials and feature coatings or components that complicate recycling. Additionally, recycling infrastructure for these products is still developing and often underfunded.

That said, momentum is building. One of the key developments driving change is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), a policy approach that holds producers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, including post-consumer waste. This shift is encouraging brands to design with durability, recyclability, and reuse in mind. As EPR legislation gains traction globally, it's accelerating industry movement toward circular systems and more sustainable material choices.

How PolyCore is Supporting Circularity

At PolyCore, we recognize that textile coatings, while essential for durability and performance, often eliminate the possibility of recycling a fabric. That’s why we’re developing advanced coatings that not only extend the life of products but also align with circular design principles.

Our ReCirX² coating was purpose-built with circularity in mind. As a PET-based coating, when paired with recycled polyester (rPET), it creates a mono-material. This design simplifies dismantling and enables efficient recycling at the end of the product’s life. Beyond recyclability, ReCirX² significantly extends product longevity by boosting durability and abrasion resistance. It’s also free from harmful substances like PFAS, DMF, and VOCs, truly made to be remade.

We’re committed to closing the loop. While most recycled polyester (rPET) is currently made from plastic bottles, the industry is working to move away from this practice. Bottles should be recycled back into bottles, and textiles into textiles. We're actively developing coating solutions that can be made from recycled fabric waste to reduce reliance on virgin materials and support a truly circular future.

A Circular Future is a Collaborative One.

Circularity isn’t just a trend; it’s imperative. Moving the textile industry toward a circular future will require innovation, collaboration, and transparency from suppliers, brands, and consumers alike.

At PolyCore, we’re proud to be part of this evolution. We design materials that don’t just perform, they endure, adapt, and contribute to a more sustainable system.

The loop is closing. And we're here to help you stay ahead of it.