Understanding the role for biotechnology in developing a circular textiles industry
In 2022, the global textile industry was valued at over $1.5 trillion, but this economic benefit comes with astonishing environmental cost. While we regularly see innovations addressing textile production, like the use of sustainable biomaterials or environmentally friendly dyeing processes, the statistics for end of life of textiles are less impressive. According to earth.org the world produces 92 million tonnes of textile waste every year with 87% of the materials and fibres used to make textiles are bound for incineration or sent to landfill. Only 20% of discarded textiles are recovered, with around 1% of these being recycled into new garments.

To drive the transition to a circular economy the whole supply chain must be re-imagined, with end of life in mind from the outset. Innovations in textile design and manufacturing, garment production, smart recycling and separation technologies, and resource recovery and utilisation all have a part to play.

In this webinar, delivered by Innovate UK Business Connect and the Bioeconomy Cluster Builder, we will explore how we can apply biotechnology solutions alongside other ground-breaking technologies to develop a circular textiles industry.

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