EDITOR ’ S CHOICE EMBEDDING CIRCULARITY
WORN AGAIN TECHNOLOGIES
Worn Again Technologies builds on its ambition to develop textile recycling plants integrated into the urban ecosystem
Worn Again Technologies ( WAT ) and its strategic partners gathered in Copenhagen to discuss the next steps towards building modern polymer recycling facilities for textiles . Drawing on inspiration from Amager Bakke , an energy-from-waste plant with an outdoor sports center on its roof , the organization aims to engage communities and change perceptions around manufacturing , both environmentally and culturally .
After completing extensive feasibility and pilot scale tests , as well as laying out its future vision of the textile recycling industry , Worn Again Technologies is getting closer to building its first full-scale plant . The technology relies on innovative polymer separation and purification technologies to turn non-reusable , hard to recycle polyester and cotton fiber blends into new , high-quality materials for making new textiles .
The two-day gathering enabled a compelling exchange of insights and ideas between WAT management and strategic partners . The aim is to shift the paradigm and perception from isolated recycling plants to social architectural landmarks engaged with community , supporting the textile industry commitment of net zero CO2 emissions by 2050 .
Torsten Wintergerste , Chairman of Worn Again Technologies Board of Directors , explains : “ Creating a successful circular economy for textiles requires more than an innovative recycling technology and all stakeholders from consumers to retailers and law makers need to connect and work together for a cleaner future .”
Copenhagen offered an ideal location for the event , as the capital aims to become the world ’ s first carbon-free city . Even more , attendees were able to draw inspiration from Amager Bakke , also known as Copenhill , a combined heat and power waste-to-energy plant that is also an artificial ski slope and sports attraction .
An energy-from-waste plant with an outdoor sports center on its roof , Amager Bakke is an inspiration to WAT , as it is integrated into the urban ecosystem . ( Photo Copenhill Hufton & Crow / ARC )
12 PECM Issue 55