There are 2 main recycling processes for textiles:

• Chemical or Advanced Recycling – uses chemical or thermal processes to break textiles down into their original building blocks — like monomers or polymers — which can then be used to make new fibres. Unlike mechanical recycling, advanced recycling can handle blended materials (like poly-cotton) and helps preserve fibre quality, making it possible to create “like-new” textiles from old clothes.
• Mechanical Recycling – the process of physically breaking down used textiles into fibres without using chemicals. This usually involves shredding or pulling apart garments to recover fibres, which can then be spun into new yarn or downcycled into products like insulation, stuffing, or industrial materials. However, it often shortens the fibre length, which can affect quality — and it’s most effective when textiles are made from a single fibre type, like 100% cotton or wool.