Cyclothe Targets Gaps in Textile Recycling Infrastructure

Swedish technology company Cyclothe is working on an integrated system designed to collect, identify, and sort discarded textiles. This initiative addresses a significant challenge in Europe’s circular textile economy: the lack of infrastructure linking waste collection to effective reuse and recycling operations.

Cyclothe's approach includes smart collection points, automated material identification, AI-supported sorting, and digital traceability, directing discarded textiles to their most suitable destinations. The company emphasizes prioritizing reuse, repair, and resale before resorting to recycling for materials that cannot be recovered.

With the mandatory separate collection of textiles introduced in Europe in early 2025, the existing infrastructure for processing these materials remains fragmented. Cyclothe aims to connect consumers, retailers, municipalities, logistics providers, and recycling companies through a unified physical and digital framework.

Calvin Woolley, the new co-founder and CEO, brings over 25 years of experience in the textile industry, particularly in sustainability initiatives. He highlights the need for a functioning infrastructure to manage new legislation effectively and create high-value reverse flows.

The next phase for Cyclothe involves expanding its smart collection network and AI-supported sorting systems while establishing partnerships with reuse, resale, and recycling businesses. The company also plans to develop a traceable marketplace for recovered materials, addressing the economic challenges of integrating these elements at scale.