Primark signs deal with Circ to source recycled polyester

Irish fast-fashion retailer Primark has signed a multiyear agreement with textile-to-textile recycler Circ to purchase recycled polyester for its clothing from 2029. The deal comes as Circ prepares to establish its first industrial-scale recycling facility in France. The agreement is Primark’s first multiyear supply deal with a textile-to-textile recycler.

The partnership with Circ will provide an additional way for Primark to reduce its dependence on virgin materials, alongside its existing recycled-fibre initiatives, including its work with supplier Recover.

Circ’s recycling technology is designed to separate polycotton fabrics into their main components. It recovers cellulose from cotton and PTA and MEG, the key raw materials used to produce polyester, from the polyester component. The company explained that its technology can process polycotton waste that meets specific technical requirements and has been properly sorted and prepared.

Primark said expanding textile-to-textile recycling will require better waste collection and sorting systems, higher collection rates and automated sorting technologies. The retailer also highlighted the need for advanced recycling solutions and supportive policies, including clear extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes and recycled-content requirements. According to the company, innovation will play an important role in addressing the fashion industry’s textile waste challenge.