The Dutch government has set ambitious goals around circular textiles, including the aim that by 2030, at least 30% of textile products will be made from recycled materials. Currently, this figure stands at only 1%. HTEX is striving to contribute positively to this target. Together with CLS-Tex International, a shareholder in HTEX, the company developed a recycling technique where old and used clothing is turned into yarn. This yarn is then woven into fabric for the production of new clothing. This form of recycling, known as chemical recycling, is still in its early stages globally.Focus on WorkwearHTEX focuses its technology on converting polyester, cotton, and polycotton back into their original form. This technology is the missing link in the closed-loop recycling chain that CLS-Tex has established. Niek Hokken, CEO of HTEX, explains: “Together, we offer a complete solution for recycling clothing products so that new clothing can be made again. The Hydro Thermal Upgrading technology essentially involves heating materials and dissolving them with chemicals. A prototype of the production line has already been tested, proving the process works, and we are now ready to take the next steps.”HTEX’s recycling solution is initially focused on workwear, in collaboration with Heigo, a producer of work and corporate clothing. “The advantage is that you know exactly what materials are in the product and what quality requirements the end product must meet. CLS-Tex handles the logistics of used textiles and supplies new raw materials to its partners, who produce yarns, fabrics, and clothing. This allows us to close the circular chain 100%,” says Hokken.

HTEX: The Future of Circular Textiles