21-06-2025
- Business
- Fashion Value Chain
Global Momentum Builds at First Textiles Recycling Expo
The inaugural Textiles Recycling Expo, held on 4–5 June 2025 in Brussels, marked a major milestone in the global push for circularity in fashion and textiles. With 126 exhibitors and 3,336 visitors from 67 countries, the event became the largest global gathering dedicated solely to textile recycling.
The expo attracted an audience spanning the full textile value chain — from waste management leaders and advanced recyclers to textile producers and top retail brands. Sustainability teams from brands such as Zara, H&M, Gucci, Burberry, Chanel, Primark, Patagonia, Ikea, and Nike were among the many notable participants, highlighting the urgency for industry-wide cooperation.
Opening the event, Aurel Ciobanu-Dordea, Director for Circular Economy at the European Commission, praised the innovation and energy present across the exhibition halls. Feedback from attendees echoed the sentiment, describing the event on social media as 'a breakthrough week for circular fashion' and 'full of momentum.'
Zied Chetoui, Event Manager, noted: 'The industry's enthusiastic response underscores a growing commitment to circular solutions and innovation. This expo has set a new benchmark for what we can collectively achieve.'
Live tech demos by companies like Valvan and NewRetex showcased advances in automated textile sorting, while the packed conference theatre hosted over 50 expert speakers on topics including policy, recycling technology, waste recovery, and new regulations.
The show was supported by key industry bodies such as ReHubs, EURATEX, Accelerating Circularity, Fedustria, Denim Deal, EuRIC, and the Textile Recycling Association. These organizations also contributed to the Industry Alliance Hub, a dynamic zone fostering partnerships and discussion.
Building on the success of this launch, the next Textiles Recycling Expo USA is scheduled for 29–30 April 2026 in Charlotte, NC, with the European edition returning to Brussels on 24–25 June 2026. With early interest already high, both shows are poised to push the conversation forward in textile circularity.
USA Expo Info:
Europe Expo Info:
