One of the few textile recyclers stops making fibers from old clothing: too few customers

Brightfiber, a textile recycling company in Amsterdam, is ceasing fiber production from old clothing due to a lack of customers. Despite legislation aimed at sustainability, the recycling of clothing remains minimal. The factory, which opened in 2024, struggled to secure significant orders from clothing brands, which only conducted small-scale trials. The high cost of recycled fibers compared to new materials is a barrier to growth. Brightfiber is exploring relocating fiber production within Europe and continues to sort second-hand clothing for resale and recycling. Recent legislation has made brands responsible for their products' disposal, but enforcement is lacking, limiting the impact on recycling rates.