FAQs - Re-Fresh Global- Turning textile waste into new raw materials

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about re-fresh global

Re-Fresh Global is a biotech startup utilizing patented biochemical processes to convert textile waste into raw materials. Our technology focuses on separating cellulose and synthetic fibers through enzymatic hydrolysis.

What is your mission?

Our mission is to promote a circular economy where textile waste is recycled into high-quality raw materials. These materials can be reintroduced into over 14 different industries, including cosmetics and packaging, creating a significant environmental impact, reducing costs and new commercial benefits.

Where is Re-Fresh Global based?

We are officially registered in Berlin, Germany, with additional offices in Paris, France, and Tel Aviv, Israel, reflecting our global presence.

Who founded Re-Fresh Global and when?

Re-Fresh Global was founded in 2021 by co-founders Revital Nadav and Viktoria Kanar.

How is Re-Fresh Global funded?

As a startup, we are funded through investments, grants and ongoing fundraising efforts.

What is your current commercial scale?

We are already conducting commercial pilots as well as off-take orders with various brands within the Volkswagen Group, Meavo, and other international OEMs in automotive and packaging industries.

about our process

Do you collect textile waste?

We do not directly collect textile waste ourselves. Instead, we collaborate with textile waste collectors globally who align with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) standards. This includes partnerships with numerous charities and organizations around the world.

Where does the textile waste come from?

Our textile waste primarily comes from collectors across the globe, particularly in Europe. These collectors gather textile waste from various sources, including unwanted or unsold clothing, home or production textiles and other donations from private and commercial sectors.

Do you work with post-consumer or post-production textile waste?

We specialize in both post-consumer and post-production textile waste. Our focus is primarily on post-consumer waste, which presents the larger and unsolved waste parts due to its more complex recycling challenges. Our technology even allows us to process hospital sheets, sanitizing them during the recycling process.

How is the textile waste sorted?

Most of our partner collectors utilize automated sorting machines equipped with Near Infrared (NIR) technology. This advanced sorting method ensures efficient separation of textiles based on material composition.

What kind of textile waste materials can you accept?

We mainly work with cotton, polyester, and their mixed combinations. Additionally, we can process other synthetic and natural materials based on market demand. We can accept textiles containing small amounts of elastane or lycra as well. However, we do not process animal-based materials such as leather, silk, or wool, nor non-textile materials like rubber, silicone, vinyl, or hard plastics. We have established partnerships with other organizations to handle these materials within our ecosystem.

What is the process of turning waste into new products?

Our process involves four main steps: mechanical shredding and tearing, enzymatic hydrolysis, filtration, and product preparation. During enzymatic hydrolysis, natural fibers’ cellulose is converted into Re-Nano™, while synthetic fibers such as polyester remain intact as Re-SanPulp™, retaining their original color and form. These synthetic fibers can be spun into new yarns or used in various nonwoven applications. The liquid leftovers from the process can be even further processed and distilled into alcohol Re-Thanol™!

Where does the processing take place?

Currently, our primary operations are located in Europe, where new regulations mandate sustainable solutions for textile waste by 2025. Our goal is to spread our operations and services globally starting in 2027.

Is Re-Fresh Global's SMART-UP system available for use by third parties?

Yes, our system is available for licensing, allowing third parties to utilize our technology and machinery.

What are the strengths of your recycling process?

Our enzymatic hydrolysis process is cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and energy-efficient. It allows for comprehensive utilization of textile waste, including complex compositions, without the need for depolymerization of synthetic fibers.

How is your technique different from others?

Unlike traditional methods, we retain synthetic fibers in their original form, avoiding the need for depolymerization to monomers. This approach is patented and unique to Re-Fresh Global, enabling efficient recycling from textile waste. At the same time our process succeeds in separating between natural and synthetic fibers, without causing any damage to the materials or further environmental impact.

about our products

What is Re-Nano™?

Re-Nano™ is a patented microfibrillated cellulose derived from cotton biomass. Biodegradable and versatile, it replaces plastics in various applications such as packaging and pharmaceuticals.

What is Re-Thanol™?

Re-Thanol™ is pure ethanol produced as a byproduct of our biotech process, finding applications in beauty, sanitation, and chemical industries.

What is Re-SanPulp™?

Re-SanPulp™ is a textile pulp made from recycled natural and synthetic fibers. It is customizable and used in acoustic materials, nonwovens, construction, and more.

What kinds of textiles can be made with Re-SanPulp™?

Re-SanPulp™ is primarily used for nonwoven textiles, suitable for acoustic panels, automotive interiors, furniture, and as fillings for new products. With our Re-SanPulp™ we are able to manufacture numerous types of new fabrics, with the possibility to even create new fibers for the traditional textile manufacturing.

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