Retailer Marks & Spencer has become a scaling partner for Circulose, a Swedish recycler of textile waste, as it seeks to embed circularity into its supply chain.
The partnership will see M&S integrate Circulose, a material made entirely of textile waste, into select products, reducing its reliance on virgin fibres and ‘accelerating the shift to circular design at scale’, the retailer said.
Circular design
“Partnering with Circulose allows us to put the concept of circular design into action and will be an example of how the industry can move from small-scale pilots to incorporating next-generation materials at a greater scale,” commented Katharine Beacham, head of sustainability and materials in fashion at M&S.
“By integrating circular materials into our sourcing strategy, we will be reducing reliance on virgin fibres, cutting waste, and helping to build a fashion industry that’s fit for the future.”
Circulose is produced through a patented process that recycles used textiles and production offcuts that can no longer be resold or used into a material suitable for new products. This ‘high-performance material’ thereby helps reduce waste, lower emissions, and reduce reliance on virgin materials.
Scaling partner
Jonatan Janmark, CEO of Circulose, said that the company was “thrilled” to name M&S as its first scaling partner in the UK.
“Their leadership in sustainability and commitment to circular fashion plays an important role in accelerating adoption of next-generation fibres,” he said. “This partnership is one of several we are building with leading global brands, with more set to join soon.”
The partnership forms part of M&S’ goal to achieve net zero emissions across its value chain by 2040, and aligns with its Another Life initiative, which incorporates Rewear, Repair, Recycle, and Resale initiatives.
“This is an exciting next step in our journey to become a net zero business by 2040 and a great example of the ambition behind our Plan A – Another Life initiative,” Beacham added. Read more here.
