CIRCLO is a circular textile ecosystem created in Portugal with the purpose of transforming post-industrial textile waste into high-quality raw materials capable of delivering technical performance, aesthetics, and durability equivalent to virgin fibres. The project emerged as a direct response to one of the textile industry’s greatest challenges: the systematic waste of valuable materials during garment production.
Within the apparel industry, especially during the cutting stage, large amounts of fabric are discarded daily despite their exceptional quality. In many cases, these losses represent more than 20% of the raw material used in production. It was from this reality that CIRCLO was born. Through the experience of Pedrosa & Rodrigues, a manufacturer specialized in premium and luxury circular knits, the urgent need to recover and valorize these materials became clear, preventing them from becoming waste.
CIRCLO’s mission is simple: to recover, transform, and reintroduce textile materials into the value chain, extending their lifecycle without compromising quality, functionality, or design. More than recycling, CIRCLO aims to elevate the concept of textile circularity by proving that responsible materials can achieve the same standards of performance and appearance expected by contemporary brands.
All development takes place locally in Portugal through a close and integrated production network. Spinning, knitting, dyeing, and finishing are carried out within an approximate 50-kilometre radius, allowing strict control over every stage of production. This local model guarantees transparency and traceability while significantly reducing the CO₂ emissions associated with transportation and global supply chains.
The proximity between industrial partners also enables greater agility in product development, more efficient communication, and stronger technical innovation. Every recovered material is carefully selected and transformed to ensure high standards of quality, consistency, and durability, meeting the technical and creative demands of today’s textile market.
CIRCLO represents a new approach to sustainability within the textile industry. Instead of viewing waste as an endpoint, the project sees it as a valuable resource capable of generating new products and opportunities. This model promotes a more circular, efficient, and responsible industry, aligned with the growing environmental and social expectations placed on fashion and textiles.
By combining innovation, environmental responsibility, and industrial excellence, CIRCLO positions itself as a platform for the future of textiles, demonstrating that sustainability and premium quality can successfully coexist.
Country
Portugal
Final product
Menswear
Womenswear
Childrenswear
Sweaters, knits
Casual
Specialised manufacturing
Export zone
Africa
Asia
Australia
Europe
North America
South America
