Brightfiber Textiles has launched a textile factory dedicated to processing discarded clothing into high-quality textile fibres. The factory employs advanced machine technology to transform used garments into spinnable raw materials for new yarns, fabrics, and clothing. This initiative supports efforts toward a circular textile industry.

Textile Waste Management
In the Netherlands, approximately 300 million kilograms of discarded clothing are collected annually. Recycling these textiles into new garments has been limited due to challenges in circular textile production. Brightfiber Textiles offers a solution to convert post-consumer textiles into high-quality materials, contributing to a more sustainable industry.

Ellen Mensink, CEO of Brightfiber Textiles, states that the initiative has been in development for ten years. “The growing volume of discarded textiles presents an environmental issue. While textile recycling has improved, achieving full circularity remains a challenge. Brightfiber Textiles, in collaboration with industry partners, aims to accelerate this transition.”

Integrated Recycling Process
The factory operates alongside Wieland Textiles, a textile recycling specialist. Brightfiber Textiles and Wieland Textiles have developed a mechanical process that converts discarded textiles into reusable fibres. The system includes Near-Infrared (NIR) sorting technology and automated machinery that separates garments, removes non-textile components such as buttons and zippers, and refines the fibres. The process is completed within a single facility, creating a model for regional circular textile solutions.

Located in the Metropolitan Region of Amsterdam, the factory processes materials from local waste streams. Brightfiber Textiles aims to expand this model to other regions to establish decentralised textile recycling facilities.

Circular and Recycled Textile Innovation
Brightfiber Textiles collaborates with European spinners and weavers to produce textile fibres from post-consumer waste in 15 to 20 colours. At least 40% of Brightfiber Textiles’ yarns are derived from recycled clothing sourced from local waste streams. These fibres are blended with other materials to enhance durability. Reintegrating textile waste into fabric production reduces reliance on virgin materials, dyeing, and chemical processes.

Brightfiber Textiles supplies fibres to industries including fashion, workwear, and interior design. Each product undergoes a life-cycle assessment (LCA) to measure environmental impacts such as CO2 emissions and water consumption reductions.

Regulatory Framework for Circular Textiles
The Netherlands introduced Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for consumer textiles on 1 July 2023. Manufacturers must integrate a percentage of recycled fibres into their products. By 2025, at least 7.5% of new textiles must contain recycled fibres, increasing to 16.5% by 2030. Brightfiber Textiles provides recycled fibre solutions to support compliance with these regulations.

Factory Operations
The Brightfiber Textiles factory is now operational and aims to contribute to circular textile manufacturing. The facility is expected to support high-quality recycled textile production and promote further development in sustainable materials.

Source: Duurzaam-Ondernemen.nl
Photo: Brightfiber Textiles