From Barriers to Blueprints: New Research Advances Circular Design for Trims
NEW YORK, NY — A new report from Accelerating Circularity (ACP) and the Circular Systems for Trims and Ignored Materials (CSTIM) Working Group outlines how the fashion industry can close the gap between recyclability on paper and recyclability in practice.
While the technology to recycle textiles is ready, the research reveals that progress now depends on how brands, recyclers, and technology providers design, specify, and manage materials.
Toward Circular Systems for Trims and Ignored Materials (CSTIM) draws on two years of cross-sector collaboration to map solutions for aligning design intent with recycling capability.
“By bringing together the major players in the trims and feedstock preparation space, we gained a clear understanding of what’s helping textile-to-textile (T2T) recycling scale in the real world today—and where we need to focus next,” said Sarah Coulter, Americas Program Director, Accelerating Circularity.
Key Findings
The CSTIM report shows that while trims and coatings have long been seen as obstacles, most are now technically solvable. The next challenge is coordination—aligning design, specification, and recycling systems.
● Even garments labeled “100% cotton” or “100% polyester” often include trims that make them non-recyclable.
● Only 29 of 92 cataloged trims currently meet recycler specifications.
● Data gaps, inconsistent standards, and limited automation lead to material loss and higher costs.
“This whitepaper helps further our understanding of the role trims play as disruptors within recycling systems. I hope it leads designers to think more about the durability and repairability of trims than just their end of life,” said Brian LaPlante, Senior Manager, Sustainability, YKK Global.
Path Forward
The report calls for a shift from identifying barriers to building solutions through shared standards, collaboration, and investment.
To enable scalable circularity:
● Brands should standardize inputs and strengthen collaboration with sorters and recyclers.
● Recyclers and technology providers must align feedstock specifications and advance contaminant detection.
● Funders and policymakers are urged to invest in harmonized quality benchmarks and supporting infrastructure.
Next Steps
CSTIM’s next phase will focus on two collaborative initiatives:
● Brand Design Guidance for circular trims and components.
● Feedstock Specification Framework to create consistent, scalable recycling streams.
Stakeholders are invited to participate in PC Programs (pilot projects) and future CSTIM convenings. ACP will host a live webinar on November 19, 2025, to discuss findings and next steps.
Read the full report here: Toward Circular Systems for Trims and Ignored Materials (CSTIM)
About Accelerating CircularityAccelerating Circularity is an action-oriented nonprofit driving textile-to-textile recycling at commercial scale through a collaborative, stakeholder-led approach. Its mission is to build circular systems that transform used textiles into new raw materials, advancing a vision of a world in which textiles are no longer wasted.