Strategic partnership tackles textile waste

The global textile sector is under mounting pressure to address sustainability, with less than 1% of all fibre production currently sourced from pre- and post-consumer recycled textiles. In response, integrated polyester manufacturer Asia Pacific Fibers has entered into a working partnership with Australian clean technology company BlockTexx to develop and supply textile-to-textile recycled polyester filament yarns for international fashion clients. This alliance comes at a pivotal moment: global fibre production reached 124 million tonnes in 2023 and is forecast to rise to 160 million tonnes by 2030. Polyester and cotton together account for 77% of global fibre output, but blended fabrics present a significant recycling challenge, as they require advanced separation before reuse.

Innovative technology for circularity

BlockTexx addresses this challenge with its proprietary S.O.F.T. (Separation of Fibre Technology) process, extracting high-value raw materials from post-consumer blended textiles and garments. The process yields PolyTexx and CellTexx materials, which can be remanufactured into new fibres, fabrics and trims. Asia Pacific Fibers will utilise this technology to produce its flagship Re-petitive yarn range, made from PolyTexx rPET. "Our flagship product Re-petitive, made from PolyTexx rPET, exemplifies our commitment to sustainability, offering our value chain partners a truly circular solution that minimises water usage, chemical pollution and landfill waste," commented V. Ravishankar, CEO of Asia Pacific Fibers.

Commercial readiness and market benefits

The Re-petitive yarns are available in raw white and dope dyed options, with inherent functional features such as stretch, moisture management, anti-UV, antimicrobial, anti-dust mite and biodegradability. Manufactured entirely from recycled polymers, the yarns' textile waste content can be tailored from 10% up to 50%, depending on customer requirements. For global brands, these recycled yarns are certified to OEKO-TEX, GRS and RCS standards, supporting compliance with international sustainability benchmarks. Graham Ross, Co-founder of BlockTexx, highlighted the commercial focus: "BlockTexx's mission has been to develop low-emissions technology to deliver commercial-scale recycled products that are price competitive with virgin materials".

The partnership will focus on developing a variety of commercially ready filament yarns and co-marketing these products to the global fashion and textile industry, with a European showcase planned.