Balena Weekly News Roundup

This week's Balena Weekly Roundup highlights exciting advancements driving innovation and sustainability in the circular fashion and textile industry. From Spain’s launch of a textile waste management pilot to impactful partnerships in 3D weaving and recycling solutions, the push toward a circular economy is gaining momentum globally.?

Here’s a look at the key stories that are shaping the future of sustainable fashion and manufacturing.

Spain Launches Textile Waste Management Pilot Ahead of EU EPR Regulations

Spain has launched Re-viste, a pilot project to improve large-scale textile waste collection ahead of the EU’s 2026 Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations. Supported by brands like Inditex, Mango, and H&M, the project covers six municipalities and tests collection methods for increased textile reuse and recycling. With 91% of textile waste currently ending up in landfills, this initiative seeks to address the waste issue, promoting sustainability and circularity within the textile industry.

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Global Circular Fashion Market Poised for Growth, Reaching $11 Billion by 2030

The Circular Fashion Market is projected to grow from $6.09 billion in 2023 to $11 billion by 2030, with an 8.8% CAGR. Key drivers include the rising use of sustainable materials like recycled and biodegradable fabrics, the adoption of recycling and upcycling programs, and technological advancements in digital fashion design and AI. Consumers are demanding more transparency, pushing brands to align with circular models. Regional growth and collaborations between brands and sustainability organizations further boost market potential across key sectors like apparel, footwear, and accessories.

Read more about these key insights here >>>

Global Fashion Agenda Partners with Indonesia to Scale Circular Textile Solutions

Global Fashion Agenda is collaborating with Indonesia’s Sustainable Textile Chain (RTL) to advance circular fashion systems, supported by H&M Foundation and other partners. The initiative seeks broader participation from brands, recyclers, and government bodies to tackle textile waste and scale recycling efforts. RTL will ensure local alignment with government strategies, while the project focuses on reducing virgin resource use by recycling post-industrial textile waste, driving Indonesia toward a circular economy.

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Decathlon Pulse and unspun? Partner to Scale 3D Weaving Technology in Europe

Decathlon Pulse has partnered with unspun? to expand 3D weaving technology across Europe, driving innovation in sustainable manufacturing. This collaboration supports unspun’s Series B funding and aligns with their shared vision of local, low-waste, and low-inventory production. By bringing Vega? 3D weaving to multiple European brands, Decathlon Pulse aims to revolutionize the apparel industry, fostering a smarter and more sustainable manufacturing future through this industrial partnership.

Learn more about the partnership here >>>

Balena Wins Seoul Design Award 2024 and Shortlisted for Dezeen Awards

Balena is excited to announce its win at the Seoul Design Award 2024, celebrating the brand’s innovative contributions to global sustainability. The award ceremony will take place in Seoul on November 9th. Additionally, Balena has been shortlisted for the Dezeen Awards 2024, recognizing their cutting-edge textile design work with Variable Seams , with the ceremony scheduled for November in London. Balena continues to build momentum and looks forward to sharing future progress.

As we see continued progress in circular fashion, partnerships, and innovations, the industry is collectively moving toward a more sustainable and efficient future. Stay tuned for more updates on how these initiatives are transforming the global fashion landscape.