Loop Industries the Montreal-based clean technology company dedicated to the development of 100% textile-to-textile PET polyester fibres, as well as PET plastics from waste, has announced a new three-way collaboration with Hyosung and South Korean sustainable fashion brand Pleatsmama to produce 100% recycled draw textured yarns for the production of limited-edition handbags.

The yarns were manufactured using polyester produced through the Infinite Loop textile-to-textile recycling technology, utilising low-value mixed polyester textile waste as feedstock.

Hyosung leveraged its expertise in advanced materials to spin the yarn and Pleatsmama transformed into into stylish, sustainable handbags. This collaboration highlights the potential of circular fashion and recycling technologies to drive sustainability across industries.

Loop’s T2T polyester fibre is recognised for its virgin-quality properties, seamlessly integrating into existing supply chains and manufacturing processes without compromising on quality or aesthetics. It also delivers significant environmental benefits, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% and requiring up to 91% less non-renewable primary energy compared to virgin polyester production from fossil fuels.

As the most widely used fibre globally, polyester accounts for approximately half of the textile market, an estimated 71 million metric tons in 2023. This presents a significant challenge, as polyester fibre waste is not suitable for traditional mechanical recycling methods and often ends up in landfills or is incinerated. The Infinite Loop technology provides a closed-loop solution by recycling even the lowest-value polyester waste, regardless of color or material composition, into 100% recycled virgin-quality polyester.

“Teaming with Loop Industries and our brand partner Pleatsmama  marks a significant milestone in our efforts to support our customers in achieving their sustainability objectives and expanding solutions that benefit both current and future generations,” said Chihyung Kim, CEO of Hyosung TNC. “We admire Loop for its high quality and its capacity to divert textile waste from landfills and incineration, while reducing the reliance on virgin polyester by minimising raw material extraction.”

 “The collaboration with industry leaders such as Hyosung and Pleatsmama demonstrates the potential of our Infinite Loop technology to transition from linear to circular fashion,” added Giovanni Catino, vice president of sales and business development at Loop. “By converting low-value mixed polyester textile waste into virgin-quality polyester, we’re not only tackling the pressing issue of textile waste but also enabling brands to deliver premium products with a closed-loop solution that meets both quality and environmental standards.”

Loop’s patented and proprietary technology depolymerizes low-value waste PET plastic and polyester fibre to its base building blocks (monomers). This includes plastic bottles and packaging, carpets and textiles of any colour, transparency or condition and even ocean plastics that have been degraded by the sun and salt.

The monomers are filtered, purified and polymerized to create virgin-quality Loop branded PET resin suitable for use in food-grade packaging and polyester fibres. Loop PET plastic and polyester fiber can be recycled infinitely without degradation of quality, successfully closing the plastic loop.

Hyosung is the world’s largest manufacturer of spandex by market share supplying the broadest range of stretch fiber offerings supported by exceptional technology and quality under its Creora Spandex and regen brands. Hyosung’s speciality nylons and polyesters provide functional and sustainable fiber solutions that are essential to today’s dynamic textile market.

www.loopindustries.com