🧵 Istanbul Tekstil Daily Digest – April 14, 2025

Mahir Mike Ariti
Apr 14
2 min read

🌍 EU Targets Fast Fashion with New Waste Regulations

The European Union is implementing new regulations aimed at reducing textile waste. These measures require companies, including fast-fashion brands, to bear the costs of waste management through extended producer responsibility schemes. The regulations apply to both EU-based and international ecommerce retailers and are expected to pass formal approval soon.

Why it matters:

Increased Costs: Brands will face additional expenses related to waste management.
Operational Changes: Companies may need to adjust their supply chains and production processes to comply with the new regulations.

🔁 Refiberd Wins CFDA x eBay Circular Fashion Fund

Refiberd, led by CEO Sarika Bajaj, has secured $300,000 from the CFDA x eBay Circular Fashion Fund. The startup utilizes hyperspectral imaging and AI to accurately classify garment materials, facilitating true textile-to-textile recycling. This innovation addresses challenges with complex blends and mislabeling, supporting the company's mission to revolutionize textile recycling.

Why it matters:

Sustainability: Advancements in recycling technologies contribute to reducing environmental impact.
Innovation: Refiberd's approach exemplifies how technology can address longstanding issues in textile recycling.

🇧🇷 Brazil's Recycling Co-ops Transform Plastic Waste into Shoes

In Brazil, recycling cooperatives known as Catadores are partnering with sustainable brand Veja to convert plastic waste into footwear. This initiative not only reduces environmental impact but also supports the livelihoods of waste workers by offering fair prices. The process involves converting PET plastic bottles into fabric for shoe linings, highlighting a model that combines environmental and socio-economic benefits.

Why it matters:

Environmental Impact: The initiative addresses plastic waste by repurposing it into usable products.
Social Responsibility: Supporting waste workers through fair compensation promotes ethical practices in the supply chain.

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