Inditex, the global retail giant and parent company of Zara, is making significant strides toward sustainability. In an exciting development, Inditex announced that its suppliers would be procuring 2,000 metric tons of raw material derived from recycled cotton textile waste, thanks to a strategic partnership with Renewcell, a Swedish company leading the charge in textile recycling.
Renewcell is among the pioneers in commercial-scale textile-to-textile recycling, facilitating the transition of clothing retailers from conventional fibers to recycled textiles. Their groundbreaking product, known as Circulose, is a textile pulp created through the chemical recycling of discarded cotton, making it a sustainable alternative.
In line with the broader fashion industry’s push to reduce waste and adopt recycled materials, Inditex recently signed a deal to purchase recycled polyester from a U.S.-based startup. As part of its ambitious sustainability agenda, Inditex aims to source 25% of its fibers from «next-generation» materials by 2030.
The previous year saw Inditex introduce a staggering 621,244 tons of fashion articles to the market, as reported in its annual review.
Renewcell’s CEO, Magnus Hakansson, lauded the public commitment to purchase Circulose fibers as a positive step. He emphasized that this move underscores Inditex’s active pursuit of its commitment to incorporate more «next-generation materials.»
Within the scope of this collaboration, Inditex confirmed that its suppliers would be the first to acquire a raw material comprising a blend of Circulose and sustainably sourced cellulose from managed forests. This material will seamlessly integrate into Inditex’s collections, underscoring the company’s dedication to sustainability.
Renewcell’s impact goes beyond its partnership with Inditex. Levi Strauss, a prominent denim manufacturer, has also partnered with Renewcell to incorporate Circulose into one of its iconic blue jeans, complementing their use of organic cotton.
Furthermore, Swedish retail giant H&M embraced Circulose material in 2020, committing to its utilization across its brands over a five-year span, as detailed on Renewcell’s website.
Renewcell’s recent disclosure underscores their achievement in selling approximately 14,400 tons of Circulose by the end of September. This highlights the growing demand and influence of sustainable textiles within the fashion industry.