A pulp made of clothes

Circulose was developed in Sweden by Renewcell, founded in 2012 by researchers from the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm. Its first industrial-scale plant opened in Sundsvall in 2022, and the technology has since continued under new ownership as Circulose.

How it's made

Cotton-rich textile waste is shredded, stripped of colour and contaminants, and dissolved into a pure cellulose slurry. It's dried into sheets of pulp, shipped to fibre producers and spun into new man-made cellulose fibres.

What it's made of

Made from 100% recycled cotton textiles, Circulose® is a dissolving pulp used to produce new fibers like viscose, lyocell, and modal, effectively closing the loop in textile production. Vogue Business

How it feels

Soft, breathable, and comfortable with properties similar to virgin cellulosic fibers. Circulose® fibers are biodegradable and contribute to reducing textile waste by recycling discarded cotton garments into new high-quality fibers. Vogue Business

Where it works

Ideal for Apparel (t-shirts, dresses, activewear), Home Textiles (bedding, curtains), and Accessories (scarves, bags). Circulose® fibers offer versatility and sustainability across multiple textile products.

Caring for it

Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle with mild detergent. Air dry or tumble dry on low heat to maintain fabric integrity. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners. Low iron if necessary; the fabric's natural drape and softness often require minimal ironing.

Certification

Circulose® pulp and the fibers produced from it are often certified by OEKO-TEX® and other sustainability standards, ensuring they meet environmental and safety criteria.