OUR STORY

Accelerating Circularity receives 501(c)3 status, establishing its non-profit foundation.

The organization hires its first employee, marking a significant step in its growth. This year also sees the release of the Research & Mapping Report, the first in a series of impactful publications. Accelerating Circularity convenes key industry stakeholders, and the Walmart Foundation awards a substantial $1.2 million grant to support ongoing initiatives.

Accelerating Circularity kicks off 14 U.S. trials involving 30 participants, including 10 of the largest global brands. The organization introduces the tagline "Textiles are too good to waste," emphasizing its core message. Accelerating Circularity is featured in the Steering Committee member’s Annual Reports of Inditex, Lenzing, and Unifi, further solidifying its industry presence. The organization issues four press releases and gains recognition in numerous publications, including Greenbiz, Ecotextile News, Sourcing Journal, Vogue Business, WWD, Just-Style, and Textile World. Participation in several industry events amplifies its reach and impact. A stakeholder survey is conducted to gather valuable insights.

This year marks the beginning of a partnership with Goodwill Industries and the launch of the ACTR group (Alliance for Chemical Textile Recyclers). Accelerating Circularity undertakes the DSNY waste characterization study, contributing to a deeper understanding of textile waste. In-person meetings resume due to the lifting of COVID restrictions, fostering collaboration in both the U.S. and EU. The stakeholder survey grows by 25%, indicating increasing engagement. Nearly 95% of stakeholders express trust in Accelerating Circularity as a resource for textile-to-textile recycling, and over 95% affirm the clarity of the organization's objectives

Accelerating Circularity's impact expands significantly, with 28 trials involving more than 70 trial participants and over 20 brands. These trials utilize over 50 tons of recycled feedstocks, demonstrating the viability of circular practices. The organization initiates the CSTIM working group (Circular Systems for Trims and Ignored Materials) and releases valuable tools such as the ACTR Definitions, Playbook, T2T Primer, Recycler and Collector & Sorter Directories, and the Reality Zone Mechanical Cotton Directory. EU and US update reports provide insights into regional progress.

Accelerating Circularity's achievements are recognized with the 2023 Just Style Excellence Award in the Research & Development Category for Recycled Materials and the B.A.U.M Environment and Sustainability Award in the International Category. The stakeholder survey reaffirms the organization's position as a trusted resource for T2T recycling, with over 90% of respondents expressing confidence. Walmart continues their support with a $1.5 million grant.

Target launches denim skirt with 40% recycled fiber content fabric from an Accelerating Circularity program.

Wrangler launches a denim jean for another commercial success stemming from our programs. Collaborating with Accenture, Accelerating Circularity published Rags to Revenue and hosted a NY Climate Week workshop presenting the business case for textile to textile recycling in the United States. Our working group, Circular Systems for Trims and Ignored Materials, published a case study sharing the challenges and opportunities for developing feedstock and addressing the ignored materials in recycling systems.