Cyclo advances denim with high-recycled content fabrics

Cyclo, a Bangladeshi textile recycling mill, is advancing closed-loop production by entering the global denim market with fabrics boasting up to 95% Cyclo recycled cotton. This move aligns with its mission to promote sustainability in one of the most cotton-rich apparel categories.

At the October Kingpins Amsterdam event, Cyclo unveiled two key fabric blends, 95% Cyclo recycled cotton and 5% recycled polyester and 90% Cyclo recycled cotton and 10% Tencel lyocell. These blends cater to rigid fabrications with recycled cotton used in both warp and weft. For stretch fabrics, Cyclo incorporates spandex in the weft, maintaining over 50% recycled cotton content in the final garment.

To overcome traditional challenges like fiber length, Cyclo invested in customizing machinery and processes to achieve longer fibers suitable for denim production. “It required years of trial and error and collaboration with weaving mills, laundries, and designers to fine-tune our recycling and spinning process,” Munir shared.

The debut collection, developed in partnership with Dhaka-based Dreüss Worldwide, showcased innovative fabrications and finishes. Cyclo currently produces over 200 tons of fiber monthly in its Bangladesh factory and plans to expand production to Pakistan in 2025.