#Recycling / Circular Economy

2025-01-09

Reclaimed Cleaning Textiles acquires United-Southern Waste Material Company

RTCM Holdings, Inc. (dba Reclaimed Cleaning Textiles, dba World Wear Project), a family of textile recycling and distribution companies, today announced the purchase of United-Southern Waste Material Company (“USW”), a Dallas-based textile recycling and repurposing company. The transaction will establish the largest textile recycler in North Texas.

Founded in 1914, USW specializes in the recycling and repurposing of clothing and wiping rags, which are sold across global and domestic markets, respectively. The company has built a reputation as a highly respected organization in the space, expanding in recent years to collect its own credential, with over 120 bins. USW currently operates out of an 88,000 square foot facility. Co-owner and third-generation family member Mindi Levine Kahn will remain with the business to provide her expertise and ensure continuity throughout the integration.

“Our stated vision is to divert 100 million pounds of textiles from landfills on an annual basis as part of our commitment to make a difference in the world,” said Craig McAndrews, President and CEO of Reclaimed Cleaning Textiles. “USW’s operation will help us expand our capacity and drive essential long-term growth. Mindi and her family have been pioneers in the second-hand clothing industry, and we are excited to come together to create a best-in-class regional operation.”

“Reclaimed Cleaning Textiles has long been a leader in the recycled textiles space, with a focus on sustainable profitability,” said Mindi Levine Kahn. “This next chapter will offer customers, suppliers, and employees enhanced resources in an evolving market.”

Wyrick Robbins Yates & Ponton LLP served as legal counsel for Reclaimed Cleaning Textiles, and Haynes and Boone, LLP served as legal counsel for USW. Financial terms were not disclosed.

New study shows low environmental impact by Cotton made in Africa Organic Cotton from Tanzania

Today, the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) is announcing the results of a comprehensive life-cycle analysis (LCA) for cotton produced in Tanzania under the Cotton made in Africa Organic (CmiA Organic) standard. The study emphasises the small ecological footprint of CmiA Organic verified cotton. This can largely be traced back to the absence of synthetic pesticides, artificial fertilisers, and artificial irrigation. Consequently, CmiA Organic cotton can help the textile industry meet regulatory requirements as well as science-based targets. The results also show that the consequences of climate change threaten the livelihoods of these cotton farmers, even though the type of agriculture they practise barely contributes to climate change.

PERFORMANCE DAYS proves its relevance as the industry’s key meeting point

Held on March 18–19, 2026, PERFORMANCE DAYS once again confirmed its position as a leading international platform for functional textiles. A total of 3.366 trade visitors and around 560 exhibitors gathered in Munich, with the event already kicking off successfully on DAY 0, which received highly positive feedback for its interactive format. Despite challenging conditions caused by the public transport strike in Munich, the event saw strong attendance and a consistently high level of activity across both exhibition days.

Reju secures €135 Million in Dutch NIKI Funding for industrial-scale textile-to-textile regeneration hub at Chemelot Industrial Park, the Netherlands

Reju™, the progressive textile-to-textile regeneration company, has been awarded €135 million in funding under the Netherlands’ Nationale Investeringsregeling Klimaatprojecten Industrie (NIKI) program. The funding will support Reju’s planned industrial-scale Regeneration Hub at Chemelot Industrial Park in Sittard-Geleen, covering both the investment phase and ongoing operations, and represents a critical milestone on the path toward final investment decision.

eeden is now a Canopy partner

eeden is committed to enable circular textiles by developing recycling technologies that turn textile waste into valuable raw materials. But the commitment goes further – eeden advocates for supply chain solutions that uphold responsible environmental and ethical standards, protecting global ecosystems including Ancient and Endangered Forests.

Carbios confirms Longlaville plant in France following financing progress

Carbios has reaffirmed its plans to build its Longlaville plant in France within a project financing framework, targeting the start of production in the first half of 2028. The company also reports a solid cash position of around €60 million at the end of 2025 and has appointed Benoît Grenot as Deputy Chief Executive Officer to support the execution of its strategic projects.

JEC World 2026 confirms its standing as the unmissable event for composites and their applications

JEC World 2026 confirms its position as the leading global event for the composite materials industry and its applications across multiple sectors, bringing together the entire composites ecosystem in Paris for three days of business, innovation, and collaboration. True to its Pushing the Limits motto, the 2026 edition delivered outstanding results despite travel disruptions worldwide. The numbers speak for themselves: more than 1,400 exhibitors from over 50 countries, including over 150 first-timers, presented a global panorama of products, equipment, and services across the entire composites value chain.

Covestro to exhibit solutions for a more sustainable and productive textile industry at Techtextil 2026

Covestro will present a broad portfolio of material innovations for textile coatings, adhesive films and thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) at Techtextil 2026 (Hall 11.0, Booth C79). The exhibits will demonstrate how advanced solutions can enhance durability, recyclability and manufacturing efficiency across applications such as automotive, infrastructure, protective apparel and sportswear. A particular focus will be on more sustainable coating technologies, including antimicrobial systems based on INSQIN® in combination with AGXX from Heraeus Precious Metals, as well as the integration of Pontacol® thermoplastic adhesive films into Covestro’s offering.