Odlo and DePoly test production of PET yarn from fabric scraps

Odlo and DePoly are running a feasibility study until the end of the year to test whether synthetic fabric can be fully recycled, according to a statement. DePoly will break down 20 kilograms of fabric remnants derived from the leisurewear supplier’s Active Warm base layer for the production of synthetic compounds. These will then be used to produce PET yarn that can be woven back into fabrics for Odlo. If successful, the yarn will be used for a limited-edition collection.

Johanna Heimlicher, Head of Sustainability at Odlo, is quoted as saying that the study represents an important milestone for Odlo on the road to a circular economy. “If the project is successful, it could significantly expand our ReWEAR programme, as it equally supports our goals of reducing waste and using new raw materials,” she said.

The project is ambitious, according to Tijana Ivanovic, Senior Business Development Manager at DePoly. “We are very proud to be working with a brand like Odlo on circular solutions for synthetic materials,” she is quoted as saying. Founded in 2020, the startup specializes in the chemical recycling of polyester and PET.

The feasibility study has received 24,000 Swiss francs in funding as part of Innosuisse's Applied Circular Sustainability innovation booster. ce/stk