Brightfiber Textile’s factory uses advanced machinery to convert used garments into spinnable raw materials for yarns, fabrics, and ultimately new clothing items.
The venture, which is supported by Dutch actress and environmental advocate Carice van Houten claims to be the world’s first local circular textile factory.
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Brightfiber Textiles founder and CEO Ellen Mensink said: “When talking about circular and sustainable fashion much of the current focus is on reducing consumption, reusing clothing, and using new sustainable materials. These are important steps — but they’re not enough to realise the transition towards a sustainable fashion industry and keep our planet alive for next generations.”
Brightfiber Textiles purchased Weiland Textiles, a long-term collaborator in technological advancements to bring what it describes as multiple “groundbreaking machines” under its management.
It describes the machines as the “world’s first near-infrared (NIR) technology-based sorter, capable of classifying textiles by colour and material,” and an advanced system that removes buttons, zippers, and labels using metal detection and camera technology.
Brightfiber Textiles stated that by combining the machines, it has created the world’s first automated fibre-to-fibre production line within the Amsterdam Metropolitan Region.
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By GlobalDataThis integrated system can process approximately 2.5m kilograms of regional textile waste annually into premium raw materials for the fashion industry.
Brightfiber Textiles explained this offers a scalable model for converting non-rewearable garments into high-quality fibres.
Brightfiber Textiles has partnered with European spinning and knitting partners over the past few years to develop its own premium range of yarns and fabrics, which contain at least 40% recycled content from local waste streams and are blended solely with other sustainable materials.
The entire production cycle occurs within Europe and Türkiye, ensuring a completely closed-loop system that conserves water, dyes, and chemicals by recycling both fibres and colours from original clothing.
Under the BRIGHT.FIBER INSIDE brand, the company provides circular and sustainable textiles and finished products to various fashion and workwear brands.
The factory’s launch also coincides with new partnerships with brands including Martan, ANWB, Patagonia and ID&T.
Patagonia Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) is preparing for a trade-in and take-back programme set for 2026 in partnership with Brightfiber Textiles to examine recycling options for specific product lines.
Circular high-end fashion label Martan is extending its collection to include circular knitwear developed with Brightfiber.
Fashion brand ANWB is collaborating with Brightfiber on a take-back scheme for returned garments and will introduce a circular capsule collection at its stores.
Additionally, fashion brand ID&T is collaborating with Brightfiber to produce circular merchandise for its large-scale events in an effort to promote sustainable fashion to a wider audience.
