LOOM Carbon has announced a strategic research partnership with RTI International, a leading independent scientific research institute. This collaboration aims to scale LOOM’s innovative thermal chemical process designed to transform non-recycled and challenging textile waste into sustainable, carbon-neutral materials.
Every year, the world generates over 92 million tons of textile waste, with less than 15% being repurposed. This partnership tackles this pressing environmental issue by developing a credible pathway to convert waste textiles into valuable resources, supporting a circular economy.
LOOM’s process converts contaminated and mixed textiles into high-value outputs that can re-enter industrial supply chains. These include circular pigments and materials that replace fossil-fuel-based inputs in textiles, coatings, and plastics. The technology also produces carbon materials suitable for use in cement, asphalt, and composites. Additionally, excess thermal energy generated during the process enhances operational efficiency and reduces reliance on external energy sources.
Kimberly Landry, CEO of LOOM Carbon, stated, “This collaboration demonstrates that waste textiles can be transformed into valuable resources. It’s a significant step from pilot tests to commercial-scale deployment, proving that textile waste is a resource, not just a disposal problem.”
The project will be carried out at RTI’s Pilot Xcelerator facility, which helps startups and partners accelerate the development of promising technologies. Over the next 12 months, efforts will focus on scaling the system to handle difficult waste streams, validating product quality, and preparing for commercial deployment.
RTI’s expertise in process engineering and emissions validation will support the initiative, targeting millions of tons of textile waste across Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America. Industry partners interested in supply or offtake agreements are encouraged to contact LOOM Carbon.
