As the textile industry faces mounting pressure to deliver circular solutions, improve recycling infrastructure and respond to evolving regulation, Textiles Recycling Expo 2026 will bring together organisations putting that transformation into practice.
Taking place on 24-25 June at Brussels Expo, Belgium, the event’s second edition has a sharp focus on implementation, collaboration and industrial-scale solutions for textile circularity.
Making circularity work
Rather than discussing whether textile recycling matters, this year’s conference programme will explore what real-world implementation looks like across materials innovation, logistics, recycling infrastructure, manufacturing and policy. The event will feature speakers from globally recognised brands and organisations including On, H&M, DHL, Volkswagen, Shein, Textile Exchange, Fashion For Good, UNEP, EURATEX, European Environment Agency, European Commission and many more.
Expansion underway
One of the key themes emerging across this year’s programme is the growing shift from pilot projects toward operational systems capable of scaling textile circularity commercially.
A featured speaker is Maximilian Köhnlein, senior specialist, apparel material innovation at On, who will contribute to discussions around the future of stretch, biobased and recycled elastane. High-performance apparel remains one of recycling’s most technically complex challenges due to blended fibres and material performance requirements. Increasingly, brands are recognising that recyclability must be engineered into products at the design stage.
Logistics challenge
Scale and supply chain transformation will also be explored through contributions from H&M. Julie-Marlène Pelissier will discuss the realities of integrating recycled fibres, building demand for next-generation materials and navigating Europe’s rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.
The importance of logistics and reverse supply chains will be another major area of focus. Rebecca Howes from DHL will examine how textile collection, consolidation and waste flows are becoming critical infrastructure challenges for the industry as circular systems scale up.
Beyond fashion industry
Cross-sector collaboration will also feature prominently within the programme. Volkswagen’s Thomas Große will share insights on automotive applications for recycled textiles and the growing role non-fashion sectors can play in supporting viable end markets for recycled materials.
Meanwhile, Gail Orton from Shein will contribute to discussions surrounding policy, producer responsibility and the future regulatory framework shaping textile circularity across Europe.
Exhibitors and awards
Alongside the conference, visitors to Textiles Recycling Expo 2026 will have access to more than 160 exhibitors showcasing the latest developments in textile collection, sorting, recycling technologies, fibre regeneration, traceability systems, AI-driven automation and circular material innovation.
Additional features this year include the Textiles Recycling Awards, a Reju VIP Lounge, an expanded Industry Alliance Hub, additional networking opportunities, and access to Future Fabrics Expo taking place alongside the event – all under one roof.
Registration for the event is free.
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