Circular Textile Recycling: GR3N and Velor Transform PET Waste into Sustainable Raw Materials

GR3N and Velor collaborated to address the global issue of textile waste and the environmental impact of polyester recycling. The use case was implemented to demonstrate an innovative chem recycling process that breaks down PET from textile waste into its original monomers, enabling true circularity. GR3N’s microwave-assisted depolymerization technology was combined with Velor’s expertise in sustainable fashion to create new high-quality polyester fibers from post-consumer garments. This initiative was executed through pilot-scale testing, integration of the recycled material into new textile products, and validation of quality and sustainability metrics. The primary problem it solves is the inefficiency and limitations of traditional mechanical recycling, which often downgrades material quality. This use case proves that closed-loop recycling in the textile industry is achievable, scalable, and essential for reducing dependency on virgin materials and minimizing environmental impact.

The collaboration between GR3N and Velor enables the recycling of 100 tons of textile waste annually, resulting in savings of up to 250 tons of CO₂eq—the equivalent of the amount absorbed by 12,000 trees each year—while significantly reducing reliance on virgin polyester. With the Social Cost of Carbon (SCC) estimated at 418 USD per ton, these CO₂ savings represent over €100,000 in climate-related economic value per year. The process is also highly energy-efficient, consuming less energy than conventional recycling methods and lowering operational costs. Once scaled to an industrial level, the environmental and economic benefits could increase by a factor of 400 - equivalent to nearly €40 million in annual carbon-related savings alone.