Worn Again

Worn Again Technologies is a chemical recycling company focused on the textile industry. It has developed a polymer recycling process that can separate, decontaminate, and extract polyester and cellulose from non-reusable textiles and PET plastics. This technology aims to put these raw materials back into the production supply chain as if they were virgin resources, supporting a circular economy.

The company was founded in 2005 by Adam Walker and Cyndi Rhoades. Initially, it began as an upcycling brand creating new products from discarded textiles. Cyndi Rhoades, with a background in the music and film industry, recognized the significant waste problem in textiles and steered the company towards developing a technological solution. Her vision was to create a scalable process to tackle end-of-life textiles. The company has since evolved from its upcycling origins to a technology-focused firm, attracting investment from major industry players like H&M and Kering.

The core of its business is its patented chemical recycling process. This process can handle mixed-fiber garments, which are traditionally difficult to recycle. It works by selectively dissolving polyester and cellulose, separating them from dyes and other contaminants. The output is polyester pellets and cellulosic pulp that can be used to create new yarn and fabrics. The business model involves licensing this technology to partners in the textile and plastic recycling industries, enabling them to build and operate plants that utilize the process. This approach is designed to accelerate the adoption of circular practices within the global textile supply chain.

Keywords: textile recycling, circular economy, polymer recycling, chemical recycling, polyester, cellulose, sustainable fashion, cleantech, PET plastic, licensing