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Fast fashion and overconsumption of textiles over the last three decades has led to an ever increasing amount of textile waste, which poses a threat to the environment on many levels. However, discarded textiles have also been recognized as an important and abundant material resource. Cellulosic fibres, mainly cotton but also manufactured cellulose fibres (MCFs), can be converted into a pulp-like feedstock for the production of new MCFs.

The session's distinguished speakers will present strategies and technologies for recycling cellulosic textiles as well as some more exotic sources of cellulose such as banknotes. In order to meet future demands, especially from legislation and consumers, the industry needs to move from a linear to a circular economy, which requires recycling. This has led to research and development of innovative technologies within the industry seeking support to scale up their processes.
This transformation also requires extensive collaboration between all stakeholders in the textile value chain. Concrete examples of what future processes will look like will be provided by the session speakers.