Brightfiber Textiles recycles old clothes into fabrics

Brightfiber Textiles, a company focused on circular and eco-friendly fabric production, has opened a new recycling plant in Amsterdam. This facility turns locally collected secondhand clothes into high-quality textile fibres.

The factory uses modern technology to break down used garments and turn them into new raw materials. These materials can be spun into yarns, made into fabrics, and used to create fresh clothing items. This project is backed by Dutch actress and environmental supporter Carice van Houten.

Ellen Mensink, founder and CEO of Brightfiber Textiles, said that while efforts like reducing clothing consumption, reusing clothes, and using new sustainable fabrics are important, they are not enough. She believes more action is needed to truly shift the fashion industry towards sustainability and protect the planet for future generations.

To support this mission, Brightfiber Textiles acquired Weiland Textiles, a long-time partner in creating new technologies. This move helped them bring several innovative machines under one roof. Among these machines is the first near-infrared (NIR) technology sorter that can identify textiles based on their color and material. Another advanced machine can remove metal parts like buttons and zippers using cameras and sensors.