Circular Republic, SOEX to close loop along textile value chain

SOEX has partnered with the Circular Republic initiative to close the loop along the entire textile value chain. The brand collects, sorts, reuses, and recycles used apparel and footwear collection.

With this partnership, the two brands will transform the traditional linear system of “produce, consume, dispose” into a continuous and sustainable cycle.

The philosophy of waste reduction is embraced by the working group, Circular Textile Platform, by promoting the prolonged use of resources, to have a world without waste.

This partnership will explore new structures and transform the vision of a waste-free world into reality. This will include collaborating with a diverse network of companies, initiatives, stakeholders, and representatives of scientific expertise united under the Circular Republic Platform.

Carl Warkentin, Founder of the Circular Textile Platform at Circular Republic, cited his long-term relationship with SOEX CEO Walter Thomsen while also sharing his commitment to sustainability.

The goal of this collaboration is to end the loop along the entire value chain of the textile industry, while advancing the principles of the circular economy.

SOEX is supported by Circular Republic in expanding its globally connected partner network from scientific and industrial sectors, facilitating dialogues with representatives from the textile industry. Their shared objectives include driving transformative impacts, reshaping value chains, and creating a sustainable and regenerative future.

SOEX also stated the textile industry still follows a linear model, with less than 1% of textile waste globally undergoing fibre-to-fibre recycling. The true closed loop is yet to exist despite Germany’s collection volume of 1.3 million tonnes of old textiles annually.