Turning textile waste into ecofriendly plastic

TextRe has developed a unique process of repurposing synthetic fabrics into material that can be used in vehicles, electronics or home decor.

As soon as 2030, the market demand for recycled materials will outpace supply by at least three times, according to multinational management consulting firm McKinsey & Company. It’s no wonder that more and more startups are dipping their toes in the business of recycling technologies.

Tel Aviv-based TextRe, recently selected to represent Israel at COP29 Azerbaijan this November, is one of those startups. “Our patented process creates a product that suits customers across many industries, from home decor and industrial furniture to electronics and vehicles,” TextRe CEO and cofounder Lee Cohen tells ISRAEL21c.

Massive textile and  ecofriendly plastic footprint

TextRe’s unique technology is designed to minimize the massive environmental footprint of both the textile and ecofriendly plastic industries. It transforms mixed synthetic polymers found in textile waste into ecofriendly recycled raw material that manufacturers can use to make high-value and cost-effective sustainable products.

“We are taking a specific composition of synthetic fibers, like polyester or nylon, and putting it through an extrusion process, using technology that we have developed,” explains Cohen. Extrusion refers to an industrial process that creates a specifically shaped object by pushing a material through a die.

“Our patented process utilizes the characteristics of the fibers because we don’t want to hurt them. Then we mix it with other polymer additives, which altogether creates a very valuable product for the plastic industry.” Cohen clarifies that the company has no plans to produce recycled fabrics for the fashion industry.