The T-REX Project has announced the release of its latest report titled Piloting a Data Model for Textile-to-Textile Recycling, marking a significant step toward building a closed-loop system for the textile industry. Supported by Horizon Europe, the initiative addresses the sector’s pressing environmental challenges by exploring how digitisation and data standardisation can facilitate efficient textile waste recycling.
The report outlines the pilot development of an Excel-based digital data model designed to improve how information on textile waste is collected and shared among stakeholders, including sorters, preprocessors, and chemical recyclers. Currently, much of this information is communicated via non-standardised paper records and emails, creating major inefficiencies.
With nearly 7 million kilograms of textile waste generated annually in the EU and Switzerland, the need for effective end-of-life strategies is critical. The report positions digital tools as a key enabler for circularity in the sector, particularly through the integration of Digital Product Passports (DPPs). These tools offer enhanced traceability, transparency, and collaboration across the value chain.
The pilot study specifically addressed five of the nine major themes identified in the project’s previous whitepaper Connecting Threads, including industry alignment, data transparency, trust in the supply chain, infrastructure, and digital capabilities.
“Our goal was to lay the foundation for a scalable, standardised system that can support chemical recycling at an industrial level,” said the T-REX team. “The insights from this pilot will drive future innovation and support EU-wide efforts to build the digital and physical infrastructure needed for textile circularity.”
As regulations tighten and sustainability becomes a non-negotiable in fashion and textiles, this pilot initiative highlights the importance of adopting digital solutions to drive long-term environmental and economic resilience.
Read the full report and join the movement towards a more circular, data-driven textile future.
