CreateMe develops advanced robotic systems and novel adhesives to reduce waste and costs in garment production, paving the way for a closed-loop apparel system.
CreateMe, an apparel technology company, has unveiled an innovative approach to garment manufacturing that significantly reduces environmental impact while lowering production costs. The company’s advanced robotic systems integrate a novel thermoreversible adhesive technology aimed at embedding circularity directly within the manufacturing process, minimizing waste and emissions. This initiative is part of CreateMe’s vision for a closed-loop system wherein consumers can return their used products for efficient recycling.
“CreateMe is uniquely positioned to transform how apparel is made,” said Cam Myers, Founder and CEO of CreateMe. He emphasized that their adhesive technology enhances recycling opportunities, aligning with the growing trend of Extended Producer Responsibility legislation being enacted in Europe and some U.S. states, which impose stricter end-of-life management requirements for apparel. Myers described this development as a “game changer” for the adoption of locally produced and recyclable apparel.
The fashion industry is notably responsible for generating approximately 92 million tons of textile waste annually, a large portion of which ends up in landfills. Traditional textile recycling processes are non-scalable due to the extensive manual labor involved in de-stitching and sorting fabrics. In contrast, CreateMe’s reversible adhesive technology facilitates fully automated assembly and disassembly of garments, a process conducted at temperatures that are higher than typical washing operations, reducing the chances of material degradation before recycling.
“This collaboration demonstrates how material science and automation can converge to address global sustainability challenges,” stated Professor Remzi Becer from the University of Warwick. The collaboration between CreateMe and Warwick not only focuses on fashion but also seeks to apply the technology to various sectors, including healthcare and automotive, highlighting its broader implications for global sustainability efforts.
The two organizations are currently working with industry leaders to further develop this adhesive technology, engaging in beta testing and exploring licensing options. This scalable approach aims to tackle worldwide sustainability challenges, redefining not just apparel manufacturing but also extending to other industries relying on efficient, circular production methods.
Meanwhile, Shein, an online fashion retailer, has partnered with Donghua University in Shanghai to innovate its polyester recycling process. This collaboration aims to enhance the recycling of polyester fabrics, ensuring that they can be reused multiple times without significant loss of quality. The new method will accept a diverse range of feedstock, including both pre- and post-consumer waste, which could improve cost efficiencies in the production of recycled polyester.
Leonard Lin, president of Shein’s EMEA and global head of public affairs, noted, “We have invested in the research and development of a new polyester recycling process that allows us to incorporate a broader variety of feedstock, achieve better cost efficiencies, and recycle polyester multiple times without compromising the material properties.” The company aims to begin large-scale production of recycled polyester fibers by June 2025, targeting an output of 3,000 metric tons annually.
Shein’s commitment aligns with its goal to transition 31% of the polyester used in its house-branded products to recycled material by 2030. The retailer is also exploring additional sustainable solutions, such as the evoluSHEIN x Anitta collection, which features garments made with Regracell, a fiber combination of recycled textile waste and certified wood inputs. Additionally, Shein has been working with Aloqia since 2022 to use deadstock fabrics in special, limited-edition collections, further reinforcing its dedication to circular economy principles.
Source: Noah Wire Services
