The inaugural edition of Textiles Recycling Expo USA highlighted the growing momentum around textile-to-textile recycling, sorting technologies, reuse strategies and circular supply chains.
The inaugural Textiles Recycling Expo USA held recently in Charlotte, N.C., was modeled after the Textiles Recycling Expo that was launched several years ago in Brussels by AMI, an organizer of international events for the recycling industry.
For a first-time event, the gathered crowd was impressive, illustrating the interest in and importance of textile recycling. A number of the 95 vendors shared that they had lines at their booths during the first day, with high levels of traffic continuing into the second day.
According to the organizer, a total of 1,858 visitors attended the event. Target, Walmart, Marc Jacobs, Sol de Janeiro, Ralph Lauren, Nike, Tesla, Belk, Macy’s, Kontoor Brands, New Balance, Amazon and On Running were just some of the brands represented by the attendees.
A series of presentations and panel discussions featuring 52 experts was held on the show floor, making the talks accessible to all attendees. Topics covered the latest in textile-to-textile recycling, material innovation and circular solutions. On the first morning, it was standing room only with chairs filled to capacity with many more attendees sitting or standing in the vicinity to hear the speakers.
Throughout the two-day event, discussions focused on scale, cost and infrastructure. Feedback pointed to meaningful discussions given that the entire textile recycling value chain was represented in one place.
Some key takeaways include:
- textile recycling technology has significantly improved since 2022;
- artificial intelligence is playing an increased role in sorting garments for reuse and recycling — a recognized pain point in the cycle;
- there is a focus on improving the efficiency and logistics of existing processes rather than inventing new technologies;
- there is emphasis on driving cost out of the often multistep, multi-handoff processes; and
- certain U.S. states are ahead of the game, taking an early, active and controlled approach.
The textile recycling value chain is prioritizing options for dealing with textile waste with the first priority being how can used apparel can be reused. From there, the next priorities are: remanufacturing; recycling into new yarns using mechanical, thermal or chemical recycling processes depending on the waste stream; recapturing non-useful fiber for use in nonwovens; recapturing non-useful fiber and scraps for other applications; converting unusable waste for energy applications; and as a last resort, sending waste to landfill or compost facilities.
For those interested in continuing the collaboration and discussion around textile recycling, the third edition of Textiles Recycling Expo Europe will be held in Brussels June 24-25, 2026.
The Textiles Recycling Expo USA will return to Charlotte next year, April 7-8, 2027, for the second edition. After its successful debut in the United States, AMI reports plans are already underway to expand the event further.
