[Interview] Textile recycling company ‘Phoenxt’ provides a solution to the mixed fiber recycling challenge

Phoenxt is a Berlin-based company which has developed a groundbreaking fibre separation technology that provides a solution to the mixed fibre challenge during recycling. This technology focuses on separating the blended fibres such as man-made and plant-based natural cellulosic fibres mixture for the further recycling process.

Phoenxt fibre separation biotechnology is not only solvent-free but creates no hazard to the environment. Which means that using the existing textile waste, new materials can be created without impacting the environment along with maintaining the quality of the end product. This makes it not only circular recycling technology but also provides a sustainable recycling solution to textile recyclers and textile manufacturers.

Our recent interaction with Ms. Edwina Huang, Co-Founder & CEO of Phoenxt, discusses the importance of recycling and the journey of the company towards the circular textile recycling system. Edwina comes from a Sales, Marketing, and Supply Chain Background and has also founded Vivify Textiles and Ethical Fashion Room Podcast.

YnFx: Why is recycling important in today’s times?
Huang: As consumers get smarter and more educated, climate change becomes an undeniable trend that we all are facing today. And as we witness all the natural disasters happening around the world, there is no doubt we have to look at climate change differently to enable our species to survive and thrive continuously. Hence recycling is one of the enablers for us to slow down climate change.

YnFx: What is the main goal of the company?
Huang: The main goal of the company is to enable textile recycling to turn waste back to new materials that can be used by the textile industry.

YnFx: What solution does the company offer to ensure sustainability?
Huang: The main solution we offer is to recycle selected mixed fibres and turn them back to into materials that have similar properties as the virgin materials.

YnFx: What led to the discovery of Phoenxt’s recycling technology?
Huang: The discovery of our technology is led by customer demand. Previously we have many fashion customers ask whether textiles waste recycling can be done. So they ask, and we make it happen.

YnFx: How does the company encourage consumers to enter the recycling system?
Huang: We partner with brands which have the same value as we do, and encourage them to join our recycling initiative. In order to do so, they work with their existing customers to amplify the recycling initiative, which becomes the collection foundation on recycling.

YnFx: Is the recycling process cost-effective?
Huang: At this stage, as our recycling technology is in the relatively early phase, it is too early to share how cost-effective this will be. However, our goal is to provide this service at a similar value proposition as the existing recycling services.

YnFx: What’s next for the company?
Huang: Our next milestone is to scale up our technology. Hence for those who are interested in participating in this journey, we highly encourage them to join our newsletter at www.phoenxt.com. And we can keep them updated on our technology development.