Supporting circularity through collaboration: Techtera’s ReBORN initiative for the textile industry

As part of its commitment to advancing the circular economy, the French cluster Techtera is actively mobilising its ecosystem to drive sustainability in the textile sector. Guided by its strategic roadmap, which places the circular economy at one of its main priorities, Techtera is using its role as a cluster to turn shared challenges into collective solutions. In 2024, Techtera organised a co-creation workshop titled “Let’s build together the key actions needed for a competitive and more sustainable textile industry.” This event brought together industry stakeholders to identify obstacles to circularity and foster a shared vision for change. Recurring themes included the need for new recycling solutions, the use of alternative materials, and the development of sustainable business models. As a direct outcome of this collaborative process, Techtera launched ReBORN, a new thematic club that builds on and replaces the previous RECIT initiative. ReBORN has the ambition to accelerate innovation in recycling, the use of low-carbon materials, and the adoption of green alternatives in the textile value chain. Acting as a facilitator, the cluster provides structured activities within the club to share expertise, create synergies, and promote innovative solutions:

• Thematic technical days, where members share insights on specific challenges, explore new technologies, and co-develop solutions. Depending on the level of engagement, discussions can evolve into online working groups for continued collaboration. 

• Site visits to industrial facilities and pilot projects, offering hands-on inspiration and learning from implemented circular economy practices. 

• A digital collaboration platform, enabling members to access shared resources, connect on project ideas, and express their R&D needs in a dedicated space. 

Through peer learning, knowledge exchange, and collaboration among companies, research centres, and innovation stakeholders, Techtera harnesses the power of its cluster network to drive circular transformation in the textile sector. The ReBORN initiative showcases how clusters can serve as catalysts for innovation—coordinating collective action and accelerating the transition toward more circular and resilient industries. Read more about the initiative here: Towards a more circular and resilient textile industry with the new ReBORN club - Techtera