Textile Exchange and Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action have launched a joint initiative to drive market change. The objectives of the plan include the standardization of recycled polyester (rPET) and associated greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions. So far, 85 brands and suppliers have already committed to replace virgin polyester with recycled polyester. Through this challenge, more textile and fashion companies are invited to join the challenge and take action for the environment. The goal of the 2025 Recycled Polyester Challenge is to increase the use of recycled polyester from 14% to 45% globally by 2025. With 85 brands and suppliers already committed, the recycled Polyester Challenge 2025 serves as an essential catalyst for change in the textile and garment industry. The rPET Challenge asks the garment industry to commit to increasing the global percentage of recycled polyester from 14% to 45%; reaching 17.1 million metric tonnes by 2025. The Challenge continues the work that began with the 2017 Recycled Polyester Pledge, also driven by Textile Exchange. The 2025 Recycled Polyester Challenge asks brands to make maximum commitments to the adoption of recycled polyester as a raw material. Such commitments are essential to reach the 45% recycled volume target by 2025 and to be able to reach 90% by 2030. Some of the brands that have committed to date include: Adidas Athleta Aware ™ (by The Movement) Banana Republic Focus Textile G-Star Raw H&M Group Helly Hansen House of Baukjen Inditex Group Textile section of ITOCHU Corporation J.Crew lululemon athletica Madewell Mantis World Mara Hoffman Moose knuckles Nudie jeans Outer Unknown Pact prAna Reforma Sympatex Technologies Varner VF Corporation White + Warren
Today, mechanically recycled polyester from plastic water bottles makes up the vast majority of recycled polyester. However, chemical recycling will also be a necessary part of reaching our target. Textile Exchange acknowledges that more data is still needed on the GHG reductions associated with other innovative synthetic alternatives. But even with less significant reductions compared to mechanical recycling, chemical recycling will be key to the transformation of the industry. How Your Brand Can Participate: Companies committing to this initiative are required to report their polyester consumption annually to Textile Exchange's Corporate Fiber and Materials Benchmark (CFMB) survey; which will track the progress of all participating brands towards the collective target. All survey information is completely anonymous and serves to show progress. Brands are required to report once a year by the CFMB deadline and have the option to participate in the full benchmark in its entirety or by reference to polyester volumes only. Textile Exchange will report annually on the 2025 rPET Challenge, using 2019 volume data as a baseline and in order to meet the overall commitment of Textile Exchange and Fashion Charter. About The Textile Exchange Textile Exchange is a global non-profit organization representing brands, retailers, and suppliers. The organization works to positively impact the climate through the acceleration of the use of preferred, natural fibers. With a growing membership, the Textile Exchange enables brands and retailers to track their use of natural fibers. The textile industry has a crucial role to play in the transition towards a more resilient, regenerative, and circular economy. This is where Textile Exchange steps in. The organization aids brands and companies to build a fiber and materials portfolio as part of that transition for textile companies to improve their environmental impact. The Textile Exchange is the standard owner of the GRS (Global Recycle Standard) and RCS (Recycle Claim Standard), which are re international, voluntary standards that set requirements for third-party certification of recycled input and chain of custody. The shared goal of these standards is to increase the use of recycled materials.