JEPLAN Inc. and Teijin Frontier Co., Ltd have begun discussions on a new initiative aimed at promoting resource circulation in the apparel industry. The proposed initiative involves integrating the used clothing collection networks operated by both companies. Through collaboration across the entire recycling process—from sorting and selecting collected garments to reprocessing them using appropriate recycling methods—the two companies aim to further advance the circular use of clothing resources.
Since 2010, JEPLAN has partnered with apparel manufacturers to collect used clothing at retail stores. The collected garments are effectively reused and recycled in cooperation with partner companies. In addition, JEPLAN is working on “fiber-to-fiber” recycling, which converts 100% polyester garments into regenerated polyester. Through the development of its own apparel brand “BRING,” which utilizes this recycled polyester, JEPLAN is striving to realize a circular economy.
Meanwhile, Teijin Frontier has been refining its polyester recycling technologies since launching the recycled polyester fiber “ECOPET” in 1995. Since 2022, the company has collaborated with Fiber Cdm Co., Ltd., which operates reuse and recycling businesses for used clothing. Together, they have been building a circular system through efficient collection, sorting, and recycling of used garments. Recognizing the potential to enhance resource circulation by leveraging each other’s strengths, JEPLAN and Teijin Frontier have decided to work together to improve the efficiency of clothing collection and to develop systems for reuse and recycling.
Looking ahead, the companies plan to expand their efforts toward building a new “fiber-to-fiber” recycling system, aiming to establish a framework that promotes the reuse and reprocessing of discarded clothing.