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17 Jun 2026

What is T2T (Textile to Textile)? ~A circular recycling system utilizing textile waste and an introduction to recommended sustainable textile~

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Hello! This is Kimura from the Sustainable Blog.

In recent years, we've been seeing more and more terms like "sustainable," "ethical," and "circular fashion" in the apparel industry. Among these, the concept of T2T (Textile to Textile) is gaining attention.
Traditional recycling typically involved repurposing clothing into rags, insulation, or other uses. However, globally, there is a growing movement to reuse unwanted clothing and textile waste generated during production as raw materials for textiles.

This time, we will introduce an overview of T2T and textile recommended for sustainable manufacturing.

What is T2T (Textile to Textile)?

T2T (Textile to Textile) is a recycling concept that means "from fiber to fiber."
We collect used clothing, cutting scraps, and textile waste generated during the production process, and reuse them as raw materials for textiles, thereby regenerating them into new thread, textile, and clothing.

Differences from conventional recycling

[Conventional]
• Clothing → Rags (industrial cleaning cloths)
Clothing → Insulation
・Plastic bottles → Fibers

[T2T (Textile to Textile)]
Clothing → Fibers → thread → textile → Clothing
Textile waste → thread → textile → clothing

In short, T2T is a circular recycling system that aims to "make clothes from clothes."
In recent years, the promotion of a circular economy has progressed, particularly in the EU, which is focusing on sustainability, and attention to T2T-compliant materials is also increasing in the apparel industry. This sustainable product is something we can confidently recommend to brands that have adopted the ethical theme of "wanting to use environmentally conscious materials."

What is the closed-loop manufacturing process?

Closed-loop is often discussed in conjunction with T2T.
A closed-loop system refers to a circular system in which products are collected and reused as raw materials for the same products.
For example, in the apparel industry, the cycle goes like this: clothing → collection → recycled fibers → thread → textile → clothing.
*In contrast to the "roll" model, a system in which materials are recycled once and then repurposed for a different use is called an "open loop."
In the future, closed-loop material development is expected to advance further, not only from the perspective of reducing environmental impact but also from the perspective of efficient resource utilization.

Recommended sustainable textile featured in ApparelX

RE:NEWOOL

RE:NEWOOL is a recycled wool series that reuses collected wool products and leftover rolls.

We are effectively utilizing resources that would have traditionally been discarded, transforming them into wool materials with new value.
This fabric is perfect for sustainable autumn/winter offerings such as coats, jackets, and pants. The unique heathered texture and appearance of the wool are also part of the textile's appeal.

・1079250 1/15 RE:NEWOOL® BOA KNIT

ApparelX ID: 1080553 textile

1079250 1/15 RE:NEWOOL® BOA KNIT

This recycled boa material is produced domestically from the generation of recycled raw materials. Even the polyester portion uses recycled materials. The final finishing process of the textile is carried out in Bishu, Aichi Prefecture, a renowned wool-producing region. It's environmentally friendly and economical...

Manufacturer: TAKISADA NAGOYA / Supplier: Okura Shoji

View Products

A boa material made from recycled wool and recycled polyester .

Because it's a relatively thin boa, it's recommended for layering as a boa vest or as a liner for a blouson. This seasonal textile is definitely something you'll want to incorporate into your autumn and winter wardrobe.

▶Click here for a list of RE:NEWOOL products

UNITO®

UNITO® is a series made with 100% recycled cotton.

We collect textile waste materials such as unbleached textile and thread scraps generated during the production process and regenerate them into new thread. This recycled thread is then used to create textile.

While most boxes made from recycled materials use 30% or more recycled raw materials, UNITO® utilizes its unique production network to carefully select and collect only high-quality textile waste. This allows it to achieve a high recycling rate of 100% recycled thread. Furthermore, the slight unevenness and rough texture characteristic of recycled cotton give it a vintage-like and natural feel, which is also appealing.

・622 20//0E Vintage moss stitch (Recycled Cotton)

ApparelX ID: 1108692 textile

622 20//0E Vintage moss stitch (Recycled Cotton)

[Made with 100% Recycled thread] While thread is generally labeled "recycled" if it contains 30% or more recycled yarn, this product is made with 100% recycled thread. Our unique production network...

Manufacturer: VANCET / Supplier: Okura Shoji

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This is a sturdy, thick moss stitch fabric. Despite its voluminous 335gsm weight, the unique texture of moss stitch fabric suggests it will textile comfortable against the skin.

In addition to being suitable for general polo shirts, the fabric has just the right amount of firmness and presence, making it less see-through, so it's also recommended for casual wear that can be worn on its own, such as polo dresses.

▶Click here for a list of UNITO® products

F EARTH®

F EARTH® is a series of sustainable materials from Fujisaki Textile, spun from a blend of GRS-certified recycled cotton (Recover), which is made from recovered and crushed textile waste, and OCS-certified organic cotton.
We aim to create products that are environmentally conscious, while making the most of the natural textures of materials, with a focus on reducing our environmental impact.
With its natural texture, it can be used for a wide range of purposes, from casual to lifestyle.

・FJ940000 26/- F.EARTH jersey

ApparelX ID: 1092363 textile

FJ940000 26/- F.EARTH jersey

"F EARTH" is a sustainable material spun from a blend of GRS-certified recycled cotton (Recover), which is made from collected and crushed textile waste, and OCS-certified organic cotton. *For orders placed in rolls...

Manufacturer: Fujisaki Textile / Supplier: Okura Shoji

View Products

It has a slightly substantial thickness, making it less see-through and easy to wear as a single layer. While having a soft texture, it also has just the right amount of structure, making it versatile for everyday wear.

It comes in a variety of colors and pairs well with vintage styles, making it a great choice for color-blocked ringer tees and raglan t-shirts.

▶Click here for a list of other F EARTH® products

Bonus Episode: Fabrics using the Closed-Loop textile

SEACELL®

SEACELL® is a sustainable, regenerated fiber derived from seaweed, developed by Smartfiber GmbH in Germany.

Made from seaweed grown in the fjords of Iceland and cellulose, it is attracting attention as an environmentally friendly material that utilizes renewable natural resources.

The manufacturing process employs a closed-loop method that recovers and reuses the chemicals used. By producing products while recycling resources, we are able to reduce waste and environmental impact.

Furthermore, traceability is ensured from raw material procurement to production. In addition, SEACELL® is made from 100% biodegradable and compostable natural materials, and is designed with consideration for the natural environment even after use.

・SEA001 SEACELL® jersey

ApparelX ID: 1104583 textile

SEA001 Seacell

SEACELL® is a jersey textile woven from sustainable recycled fibers derived from seaweed, developed by Smartfiber GmbH in Germany. It's ideal for items that come into direct contact with the skin, such as underwear, t-shirts, and baby clothes...

Manufacturer: Okura Shoji

View Products

SEA001, an original product from ApparelX, is made from a jersey textile blended with SEACELL® and organic cotton.
With its smooth, gentle feel and comfortable fit, it's ideal for items that come into direct contact with the skin, such as T-shirts, underwear, and baby wear. It's a sustainable material that's kind to both the environment and people, achieved through the use of renewable resources and a closed-loop manufacturing process.

summary

T2T (Textile to Textile) is a circular recycling concept that reuses used clothing and textile waste as textiles. As the EU and the world increasingly demand a circular economy, the importance of selecting easily recyclable materials and environmentally friendly materials will likely continue to grow.
ApparelX carries a wide variety of textile, accessories, and auxiliary materials that are useful for sustainable manufacturing, including SEACELL®, RE:NEWOOL®, and F EARTH®, which were introduced in this article.
I would be delighted if you would consider incorporating sustainable elements, starting with material selection, for the future of the apparel industry.

You can view sustainable products featured on ApparelXhere .

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