Moving Toward a Circular Economy
The global textile industry is entering a decisive decade shaped by escalating sustainability expectations, emerging policies, and growing interest in credible, scientifically grounded approaches to reuse, repair, and recycling of textile materials. However, existing recycling and recovery systems remain limited in scale, consistency, and coordination.
Texas Tech University proposes the establishment of the Textile Circularity Institute as a multidisciplinary academic initiative intended to advance research, innovation, and engagement in textile circularity. Housed at Texas Tech University, the Institute is envisioned as an applied research and collaboration hub that connects academic research with industry, government, and community partners. The Institute will support brands, recyclers, technology developers, municipalities, and producer responsibility organizations (PROs) by providing research capabilities, analytical tools, and educational resources relevant to evolving sustainability and circularity goals.
