Circ, based in Danville, Virginia, has been named as as one of the 15 finalists for the 2023 Earthshot Prize – a global environmental award that celebrates and champions innovators focused on solving global climate challenges.

Circ and the 14 other finalists were chosen from more than 1,100 nominees and are now in the running to receive one of the five £1 million prizes awarded at the third-annual Earthshot Prize awards ceremony in Singapore on November 7^th.

Circ has developed a platform to successfully separate polycotton blended textile waste and recover both the cellulosic and synthetic fibres. The company’s patented hydrothermal process turns the polyester fibres into a liquid, completely separating them from the cotton fibres. Preserving and separating the polyester without damaging the cotton allows both materials to be reused in the production of new textiles, while also reducing carbon emissions substantially.

“At Circ, we’ve put our heart and soul into our technology because we see innovation as a crucial component to addressing key drivers of the climate crisis, so to have our work recognised by The Earthshot Prize is deeply validating,” said Circ CEO Peter Majeranowski. “With the support of the fellowship programme, we look forward to the opportunity to further our impact and continue to support solution-oriented change within the fashion industry.”

Founded by the UK’s Prince William in 2020, The Earthshot Prize aims to discover and help scale the world’s most innovative climate and environmental solutions.

In addition to their eligibility for the £1 million prize, all finalists will receive mentorship, resources and technical support from the year-long Earthshot Prize Fellowship Programme, including access to a robust network of influential businesses, investors and climate experts, including The Earthshot Prize’s Global Alliance of Partners, which is comprised of some of the world’s largest businesses, donors, investors and environmental organisations.

www.earthshotprize.org

www.circ.earth