Mechanical Textile Recycling Pilot
Nearly 500,000 tonnes of post-consumer textiles wind up in Canada’s landfills each year, many of which are garments made from fossil-based synthetic (or plastic) materials such as polyester, nylon and acrylic.
The Challenge
With textile waste piling up, we explored immediate recycling solutions –transforming discarded garments into higher-value consumer products.
From Waste to Product: The Pilot
We built a local recycling supply chain with key partners:
SportChek: In-store textile collection
Goodwill: Sorting and cleaning garments
Jasztex: Industrial shredding
Alkegen (formerly Texel): Fabric production (carding & needle-punching)
Textile Expert Marianne Mercier: Product testing & design
Canadian Tire: Retail partner
End Product: A stylish, practical laundry hamper made from 40% post-consumer polyester garments and 50% recycled PET—sold at select Canadian Tire stores in Winter 2023.
Most discarded textiles end up as rags or waste – but we turned them into something better. This pilot proves that old clothes can be recycled into high-value products, made right here in Canada.
How We Did It
Pre-Pilot Planning: Built a stakeholder learning group & created a Guidance Document for scalability.
Collection & Sorting: Marketed the pilot, set up collection bins, and sorted 1,000kg of 100% polyester textiles.
Recycling & Manufacturing: Shredded, processed, and turned waste into a durable nonwoven fabric.
Product Development: Designed, tested, and prototyped the final consumer product.
Commercialization: Packaged, priced, and launched the product in select stores.
Why This Matters
These pilots prove that:
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Textile recycling is possible
even with Canada’s current infrastructure.
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There’s a business case
for turning discarded textiles into valuable products.
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Circular solutions exist now
while we wait for advanced recycling technologies to scale.
To help others replicate and scale this work, we created a Guidance Document outlining each phase of the pilot, key learnings, and best practices.
Pilot Supply Chain Partners:
Stakeholder Group:
How you can get involved
Our Canadian Circular Textiles Consortium (CCTC) is exploring alternative end-of-life pathways for textiles, with a focus on sustainability and circularity.