CSTIM

Circular Systems for Trims and
Ignored Materials

CSTIM

Trims-such as adhesives, threads, fasteners, laminates, and labels-are among the leading contaminants that must be removed for successful textile-to-textile (T2T) recycling. Through CSTIM (Circular Systems for Trims and Ignored Materials), Accelerating Circularity brings together brands, recyclers, sorters, material scientists, and innovators to assess the impact of trims on circular systems and identify practical, scalable solutions.

As a cross-sector working group, CSTIM is addressing the complex role trims play in sorting, deconstruction, and preprocessing-while shaping circular infrastructure and product design guidance for the industry.

Who we are

Objectives

  • The landscape of trims and their materials, and the challenges they pose relative to sorting, deconstruction, and preprocessing; conversely, identify the potential for streamlined and/or automated trim removal, reuse, or recycling

  • The potential for trim material retrieval and management to support scalable feedstock flows and quality to meet specifications for textile-to-textile recycling. 

UNDERSTAND

DEVELOP

A framework of recommendations that addresses scaling for near- term vs. far- term opportunities, and how to design products that are compatible with these systems.

CREATE

Educational materials for the purpose of putting these recommendations into action.

ORGANIZE

Identify opportunities for counterfeit product management. 

  • Explore mutual benefits of mandatory product passport and digital ID legislation.

  • Collect inputs on standards and classifications needed for circular systems.

  • Support EPR legislation that fits the needs of the supply system.