What: US textile recycling startup Circ is launching a supplier partnership with Indian conglomerate Aditya Birla Group.

Why is it important: Material innovation startups often face challenges in scaling up their technology as brands are reluctant to commit to using them before they are available at scale.

As part of the deal, the Birla group has committed to purchasing a minimum of 5,000 metric tonnes of pulp per year from Circ’s first-ever commercial-scale facility for five years. Birla Cellulose will convert Circ’s pulp into lyocell staple fibre, which brands can use to create clothes. This is a significant development following fellow recycling startup Renewcell’s declaration of bankruptcy earlier this year.

Textile recycling startup Circ inks partnership with Indian giant Birla to help it scale