This study aims to assess the maturity of a selection of existing European fibre-to-fibre recycling companies and to explore the future of post-consumer textile recycling. At present, only 1% of textiles fibres on the global market originate from recycled pre- or post-consumer textiles. Increasing textile recycling aligns with the EU strategy for sustainable and circular textiles and is necessary for creating a more sustainable textile industry.
This study assessed six textile recycling companies across Europe, evaluating their level of technology readiness level (TRL), business readiness level (BRL), and customer readiness level (CRL) based on the KTH Innovation Readiness Level framework. The results indicate that mechanical recycling companies are generally more mature than chemical ones across the three parameters, with technology being the most mature and customer readiness the least. Scaling fibre-to-fibre recycling requires not just a high technical readiness level, but also a sustainable business models and strong value chain integration. A collaborative effort between large and small companies is essential to build a more sustainable textile industry that reduces virgin fibre dependence and promotes resource efficiency. Additionally, regulatory support is essential for recycling companies to scale production and compete effectively with virgin fibres.