#Recycling / Circular Economy

2022-05-12

ATKO Planning realizes leather waste circulation

ATKO Planning Inc. (CEO G-ON Kim), a Korean company producing recycled leather, announced that it is receiving offers from global luxury brands for its innovative textile materials, amid the fierce competition in the global textile market.

ATKO collects leather waste from leather tanneries and produces recycled leather yarns and textiles using the world’s first eco-friendly dry processing technology. The company’s recycled leather textile won the grand prize at Premiere Vision Paris 2019, one of the most prestigious events for fashion and textile. It was praised for “the most exceptional, symbolic, and pertinent leather of the season.”

ATKO Planning collects leather waste from leather tanneries and produces recycled leather yarns and textiles using the world’s first eco-friendly dry processing technology. © 2022 ATKO PLANNING

Leather waste used by ATKO is leather scraps collected from LWG Silver and Gold rated leather tanneries. This is why it is possible to produce high-quality leather fibers that enjoy the unique texture and durability of natural leather, unlike the existing regenerated leather that recycles shaving scraps.

Leather scrap is classified as industrial waste because it contains chromium, a heavy metal. Incineration is impossible for this reason, and most are disposed in landfills or dumped in the sea.

However, ocean dumping of leather scrap is becoming more difficult due to a London Convention agreement. While leather scrap accounts for 10% of the world's total waste, only 13.7% of it is recycled. Using ATKO’s recycled leather fabrics will provide a superior solution for manufacturing companies to meet the demands of ESG management without harming the conventional business model that consumes materials and manufactures products.

The key technology of ATKO is selecting only high-quality cow leather waste, obtaining recycled leather fibers through the fiberization process, and mixing them with recycled PET fibers to produce spun yarn. It is a dry process that does not use a single drop of water or chemicals, so it is environmentally friendly because it does not discharge wastewater. In addition, ATKO focuses on the circular economy and has already developed continuous resource circular technology to produce futuristic and sustainable products in balance with the environment. Based on it, ATKO can recycle not only leather waste but also ATKO’s products again and again.

Meanwhile, ATKO supplied recycled leather spun yarn to Hyundai Transys’ future mobility seat concept, which was unveiled at the Lineapelle International Leather Fair held in Milano in February. An official from ATKO expressed aspirations that ATKO Planning will take the exhibition as an opportunity as well as accelerate collaboration projects with Hyundai on mobility interior application and prepare mass production supply.

textile.4U publishes special edition “Top 100 Textile Recycling Companies 2025”

With a comprehensive 176-page special edition, textile.4U is dedicating its latest issue entirely to one of the most dynamic and influential topics in today’s textile industry: textile recycling. The new issue, published exclusively in high-quality print, presents the Top 100 textile recycling companies researched and selected by TexData – organizations that already play a key role in the transition to circular textiles or are expected to have a significant impact in the near future.

Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024 signed by Governor

Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) is proud to announce that Senate Bill 707 (SB 707), the Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024, has been signed into law by the Governor of California, Gavin Newsom. This groundbreaking legislation establishes the country’s first Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) textile recycling program, marking a significant step forward in the state’s efforts to combat waste and promote sustainability.

Modtissimo promotes sustainability with 28 coordinates in the Green Circle

Modtissimo is proving more and more to be a textile and clothing show that delivers the latest innovations in the area of sustainability, with the iTechStyle Green Circle being the main showcase for companies' creations. In this 60+4 edition, taking place on 12 and 13 September, 28 coordinates will be exhibited in a section organised by CITEVE and curated by Paulo Gomes.

The EU and Egypt team up to mobilise private sector investments at Investment Conference and sign a Memorandum of Understanding underpinning €1 billion in macro-financial assistance for Egypt

At the EU-Egypt Investment Conference, co-organised by the EU and the Government of Egypt on 29-30 June, the EU and Egypt are teaming up to intensify private sector investments in Egypt. They are also signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the disbursement to Egypt of up to €1 billion in Macro-Financial Assistance.

Reju announces site selection for first U.S. industrial sized facility regeneration hub in Rochester, New York

Reju, the textile-to-textile regeneration company, today announced it has selected the site for its first U.S.-based industrial facility marking a significant milestone in its efforts to scale globally. This future Regeneration Hub will be in Rochester, New York, reinforcing Reju’s commitment to the adoption of circular textile system across key regions worldwide.

VIATT 2026 to debut German Pavilion, strengthening European participation alongside key Asian textile hubs

Vietnam’s textile and garment sector continues to be a major contributor to the country’s economic growth, with export revenues expected to reach USD 46 billion in 2025, a 5.6% increase from 2024 . From 26 – 28 February, the Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) is set to contribute to economic growth opportunities by accelerating digital transformation and green transition across the entire textile value chain. The upcoming edition will respond to the rising demand for advanced technologies and sustainable materials with the introduction of the German Pavilion, alongside strong exhibitor participation from key Asian sectors, as well as several high-profile fringe events.

Sustainable, lightweight, and sound absorbing: Polyester-based front trunk solution for BEVs

As car manufacturers look to further reduce their carbon footprint, Autoneum has developed an innovative front trunk solution for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), made entirely from polyester-based textile. The Ultra-Silent Frunk offers significant weight reduction, improved acoustic and thermal insulation, and uses up to 70 percent recycled material, supporting sustainable and efficient vehicle design. Autoneum, global technology leader in acoustic and thermal management for vehicles, has already received orders for the new frunk from three major OEMs in Asia and Europe to be built in three BEV models. Series production for two BEVs has been underway in China and Germany since last year.

Modern testing methods for raw cotton

The 38th International Cotton Conference Bremen will take place from 25 to 27 March 2026 at the Bremen Parliament. This conference has traditionally stood for in-depth expertise and international exchange. The program will focus on technical innovations, market trends, and regulatory frameworks across the entire value chain – from agriculture to the circular economy. With high-profile speakers, the conference is regarded as the key meeting point for the global cotton industry. Today’s focus: Cotton quality and testing methods.