The innovative Berlin-based start-up Re-Fresh Global provides the industry with a solution for the upcoming stringent EPR regulations (extended producer responsibility) – an impending EU regulation for extended producer responsibility – making a significant contribution to the transformation of the textile industry.
Consequences of EPR
The forthcoming EU regulation on extended producer responsibility (EPR) for textile waste obliges manufacturers to regulate the disposal, recycling, or reuse of textile products after consumer use. This policy aims to reduce textile waste and promote sustainability in the textile and fashion industry. It heralds a paradigm shift in the industry, as it is already integrated into the legal framework in some European countries, such as France or Sweden, and is set to be legally anchored in Germany by 2025. In France alone, since the implementation of the regulation, 35 million euros in “eco-fines” have already been imposed.
Under the EPR, manufacturers will also bear the costs associated with processing textile waste. The goal is to ensure that used textiles are sorted for reuse, and non-reusable textiles are prioritized for recycling. The cost pressure and sanctions for non-compliance not only create incentives for waste reduction and the promotion of circular economy in textile products but also foster the development of more sustainable products from the outset.
Circular economy made by Re-Fresh Global
Re-Fresh Global offers an end-to-end solution for a sustainable circular economy by locally processing textile waste and transforming it into three highly demanded renewable raw materials – nanocellulose, bioethanol, and multifunctional fibers. Through the three-stage recycling process, 98% of the generated textile waste is processed and converted into the aforementioned raw materials. Competing companies that also recycle textile waste only have the option to process cellulose, while Re-Fresh Global’s process allows for the processing of synthetic and mixed textiles, representing a groundbreaking innovation. The Re-Fresh Global technology also overcomes the previously largest challenge in mechanical upcycling – separating natural and synthetic fibers.
As part of the “EPR Promise” campaign, Re-Fresh Global will offer thousands of companies in the European textile industry a cost-effective alternative to the common practice of landfilling or incinerating textile waste, as well as the opportunity to create a new product from their own waste.
“Re-Fresh Global understands the urgency and importance of the EU strategy for sustainable and circular textiles. Our mission is to make a positive contribution to the environment through innovative solutions and comprehensive industry transformation,” explains Viktoria Kanar, CEO of Re-Fresh Global. “We are convinced that sustainable recycling of textile waste not only protects the environment but also brings long-term economic benefits to the entire industry. The introduction of EPR from January 1, 2025, will also mark a turning point in textile waste disposal in Germany. However, we do not want to wait until then but actively take action now, which is why we are delighted to offer the ‘EPR Campaign’ already and thus practically support the entire industry in implementing the directive.”
Own processing factories
Re-Fresh Global invites interested parties, partners, and stakeholders to participate in this groundbreaking change and collectively shape a more sustainable and circular future for the textile industry. With their “SMART URBAN MICROFACTORY,” they offer even small and medium-sized companies the opportunity to operate their own “processing factory.” One microfactory can save around 25,000 tons of CO₂ per year.
The company is already collaborating with leading companies such as the Volkswagen Group and the SOEX Textile Recycling Company to make their technology accessible for on-site use in microfactories.
Re-Fresh Global’s system has the potential to revolutionize the entire industry and pave the way for comprehensive textile circular economy. Recognized investors and business angels are also aware of this, as the start-up has already gained support from leading VCs such as Early Bird or the Swiss Ventures Group and received 1.1 million euros in a pre-seed financing round in July 2023.
