Re:inventex at Textiles Recycling Expo 2025: Ukraine’s Voice in Europe’s Circular Future

On June 4–5, 2025, Re:inventex participated in the Textiles Recycling Expo in Brussels — the first dedicated international exhibition focused on circular economy and textile recycling. Re:inventex was the only officially authorized textile waste recovery operator from Ukraine, proudly representing the country at the event.

A Platform for Policy and Partnerships

Textiles Recycling Expo brought together all key players in the circular value chain: from textile manufacturers and recyclers to technology providers, brands, NGOs, policymakers, and think tanks. It served not only as a showcase but as a space for dialogue — to address challenges, set standards, and shape the future of the industry.

Re:inventex presented its experience in launching a systemic textile waste recycling initiative amid wartime — where infrastructure and logistics face extreme pressure. Despite these circumstances, we demonstrated that responsible solutions are possible, even under crisis conditions.

Key Messages from Brussels

1. Textile recycling is possible now.
   There’s no need to wait for perfect technologies — functional solutions already exist. The task now is scaling, building systemic approaches, and integrating them transparently into supply chains.
2. There is no circularity without demand.
   If recycled fibers aren’t used by brands, the loop cannot close. Businesses must move toward actual circular production.
3. Legislation must enable, not simulate.
   Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) only works if funds are directed to infrastructure — for collection, recovery, and local recycling. Otherwise, it’s just a formality.
4. Eastern Europe must be part of the green transition.
   Many ideas presented at the expo came from Western Europe. But a fair transition can’t be selective — it must be regional and inclusive.
5. Sustainability is possible even in challenging conditions.
   Ukraine is implementing circular practices in far-from-stable realities. Re:inventex proves that even with limited resources, the right motivation and partnerships can lead to real, working solutions.

Strategic Meetings and Industry Dialogue

The Textiles Recycling Expo was not only a presentation platform but a space for meaningful professional exchange. We engaged in conversations with experts shaping the circular agenda in Europe.

One such discussion was with Walter J. Thomsen, a specialist in circular management and a leading voice in sustainable transformation of the textile industry. We explored how international experience can be adapted to Ukrainian realities — and why even simple solutions, when applied systematically, can be effective.

We also had a valuable meeting with Dirk Vantyghem, Director General of EURATEX, the European industry confederation representing textile manufacturers and shaping policy on sustainable development.
The dialogue focused on Eastern Europe’s role in the circular transition, the need for inclusive frameworks, and the importance of integrating new markets on equal footing.

Additionally, we had a productive exchange with the sustainability department of a leading European service textile company, discussing ways to integrate circularity into service-based business models, the challenges of textile reuse, and potential areas for partnership expansion.

We’ve already had successful cooperation with them in Ukraine — and see strong potential for scaling it within a circular economy framework.

The Role of Re:inventex in the Circular Transition

We work at the intersection of environmental responsibility, climate resilience, and European integration.

Our goal is not only to reduce waste — but to build a complete system for circular management of textile resources in Ukraine.
This includes:

• collection and sorting of both industrial and post-consumer textile waste,
• proper handling through recycling and recovery,
• implementation of transparent tracking standards and partnerships with responsible businesses.

Outcomes and Next Steps

For Re:inventex, the Textiles Recycling Expo was more than just an event — it was a point of entry into a collective professional space committed to a sustainable textile future.

We are open to cooperation with brands, recyclers, service providers, engineering firms, and institutions that understand the urgency of action.

The future of circular economy won’t build itself. It requires collaboration, accountability, and determination.
There will be less waste — only if more companies start taking action.

Let’s join forces — for a cleaner tomorrow.

‍