Hyosung TNC Becomes Korea’s First to Produce Recycled Fiber from Discarded Clothing

Collaboration with Loop Industries
'Regen T2T' Production Begins at Gumi Plant

Hyosung TNC is set to become the first Korean company to fully launch a 'T2T (Textile to Textile)' project, which produces fibers by recycling discarded clothing.

On September 15, Hyosung TNC announced that it will begin producing 'Regen T2T' fibers at its Gumi plant starting in the fourth quarter of this year, in collaboration with Loop Industries, a Canadian company specializing in the development and production of PET chips. T2T is a circular regeneration system that transforms used clothing back into PET chips, which are then processed once again into polyester fibers. Unlike existing recycled fibers, which mainly use discarded PET bottles, this technology is considered a step forward as it revives clothing into new clothing materials.

Eco-friendly fiber Regen Polyester produced at Hyosung TNC's Gumi plant. Provided by Hyosung TNC

Every year, approximately 92 million tons of textile waste are generated worldwide, but only 1% is recycled back into clothing. The company expects that T2T will address these limitations and help expand circular fashion. The recycled fiber market is currently valued at 23 trillion won and is projected to grow at an average annual rate of 12.5%, reaching 75 trillion won by 2030.

Kim Chi-hyung, CEO of Hyosung TNC, stated, "With this T2T project, we aim to secure a unique position in the next-generation global recycled fiber market." Loop Industries also commented, "Our collaboration with Hyosung will mark a turning point in establishing a stable supply chain for high-quality fiber materials." Hyosung TNC and Loop Industries plan to jointly host a seminar on building the T2T value chain at the 'Premiere Vision' exhibition in Paris, France, which will be held for three days starting September 16.