Re-START Alliance Launches Its First Project to Scale Textile-to-Textile Recycling

Re-START Alliance has launched its first flagship project, Cluster Collective, aiming to scale textile-to-textile recycling within the textile industry. The project represents a significant step toward unlocking the economic value of textile waste and strengthening circular production models. Announced on 15 December 2025, the project focuses on developing recycling infrastructure in major textile manufacturing clusters in India. Planned as a four-year initiative, Cluster Collective targets key hubs such as Ludhiana and Indore, with the objective of improving the collection, sorting, and recycling of both post-industrial and post-consumer textile waste. Within the scope of the project, investments will be made in advanced sorting and recycling technologies, the establishment of traceability systems, and the formalization and support of the workforce operating along the recycling value chain. These efforts aim to foster stronger collaboration between brands, recyclers, and local stakeholders, while creating stable market demand for recycled fibers. Re-START Alliance was established under the leadership of the Laudes Foundation, in collaboration with organizations such as Canopy, Fashion for Good, and IDH – The Sustainable Trade Initiative. The alliance seeks to accelerate the integration of recycled textile materials into global supply chains and support the transition of the fashion and textile industry toward circularity. The Cluster Collective project is expected to serve as a model for future initiatives, contributing to reduced textile waste, lower reliance on natural resources, and the development of a more resilient and sustainable textile ecosystem.