An Imperfect Solution: Textile‑to‑Textile Recycled Polyester Takes Off

The fashion world is witnessing a major shift toward textile‑to‑textile recycled polyester. In November, Swedish recycler Syre announced a multi‑year partnership with Nike that will help scale this circular material and bring new life to old polyester garments. This blog dives into the deal, its implications, and the broader industry context that is turning recycled polyester into a cornerstone of sustainable fashion.

1. The Syre–Nike Agreement: A Game‑Changer

Syre’s chief commercial officer, Jad Finck, described the partnership with Nike as a “foundational offtake” that will support the construction of a new plant in Vietnam slated for 2027. While the exact volume of polyester to be delivered hasn’t been disclosed, the deal is expected to run for seven years and will be worth approximately $600 million.

Why Nike Matters

• Nike’s commitment signals to the market that recycled polyester is a viable, high‑volume material.
• It provides Syre with a steady customer base that will drive economies of scale.
• By tying the deal to a long‑term contract, Syre can plan its supply chain and invest in technology up front.

Complementary Deals

Syre’s win fits into a broader pattern of collaborations:

• Gap and Target announced a partnership in June 2025.
• Zara‑owned Inditex signed a three‑year agreement with US‑based Ambercycle in 2023.
• Danish fashion brand Ganni and outdoors label REI joined the circle in 2025.
• American company Circ launched the Fiber Club, a pre‑competitive group with retailers like Bestseller and Everlane, to accelerate recycled material adoption.

2. The Scale of the Problem and the Solution

Textile‑to‑textile recycled polyester currently makes up 22% of the total material mix for many brands, trailing behind cotton at 55%. By 2025, H&M Group’s head of resource use and circularity, Cecilia Strömblad Brännsten, stated the goal is to phase out virgin fossil‑based polyester completely and rely solely on certified recycled polyester.

Recycling Capacity on the Horizon

Syre is targeting a metric‑ton capacity of 100,000–250,000 at its Vietnam plant. French company Reju, owned by Technip Energies, is aiming for 50,000 tons of raw material from a plant in the Netherlands that will recycle 300 million items annually. These figures represent a significant leap forward, but the industry still needs more scale to close the supply gap.

Impact on Emissions and Waste

According to global non‑profit Textile Exchange, recycled polyester feedstock makes up 98% of all recycled polyester, with a target of a 45% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from fiber and raw material production by 2030. The current increase of 400,000 tons between 2023 and 2024 illustrates the potential for growth when supply chains align.

3. Why Textile‑to‑Textile Recycled Polyester Is the Future

Recycling polyester from old garments to new garments—textile‑to‑textile—offers several advantages over traditional plastic bottle‑based recycling:

Benefits for Brands

• Lower carbon footprint due to the reuse of existing fibers.
• Reduced waste from the textile sector.
• Enhanced brand image and consumer appeal.
• Long‑term cost savings from stable supply agreements.

Benefits for Recyclers

• Greater economies of scale and improved logistics.
• Ability to invest in advanced recycling technology.
• Strong partnerships with major retailers.
• Flexibility to adjust production volumes to market demand.

Benefits for the Planet

• Lower greenhouse gas emissions.
• Reduced reliance on virgin polyester.
• More efficient use of existing textile waste.
• Long‑term sustainability of the fashion supply chain.

4. The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

While the promise is clear, several hurdles remain:

Supply Chain Coordination

Coordinating the flow of recycled polyester from collection to production, and from production to consumer, requires robust logistics and real‑time data tracking. Syre’s partnership with Loop Industries in Canada is a step toward a more integrated supply chain.

Consumer Awareness

Brands must communicate the benefits of recycled polyester to consumers. Transparency in the sourcing and processing chain can boost brand loyalty.

Investment and Policy

Extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws in the EU, US, and other jurisdictions are encouraging companies to take responsibility for waste. Policy incentives can further accelerate the adoption of textile‑to‑textile recycling.

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Call to Action

Ready to join the movement? Check out our comprehensive guide to textile‑to‑textile recycling and learn how your brand can make the most of this circular material.

5. Conclusion: A Circular Future Is Within Reach

Syre’s multi‑year deal with Nike is a clear sign that textile‑to‑textile recycled polyester is no longer a niche. When combined with complementary partnerships and a growing supply chain, it has the potential to become a staple of sustainable fashion. The industry’s focus on scale, quality, and consumer communication will determine how quickly we can close the supply gap and reduce emissions.

Want to dive deeper? Explore our Guide to Textile‑to‑Textile Recycling for actionable insights, case studies, and best practices.

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