The European firms recycling textile into building materials
29 July 2025
It’s safe to assume most workers don’t expect their worn overalls to become an important part of constructing a building, but a new partnership between European companies is doing exactly that.
Render of Greenful materials used in a residential space. Image: Greenful
The initiative is led by Netherlands-based Greenful Group, a manufacturer of eco-friendly, recyclable construction materials, and the Professional Clothing Industry Association Worldwide (PCIAW), a trade organisation representing companies in the professional clothing supply chain industry (including workwear, uniforms and PPE).
By turning discarded uniforms into durable building products, the two sectors are stitching together a circular solution to the twin problems of textile waste and construction emissions.
“Our factories are designed for zero waste and full traceability,” said founder Toomas Allikas. “We are not just recycling, we are regenerating.”
Greenful manufactures recyclable building materials made from 50% textile and 35% plastic waste. The company says its panels are engineered to outperform conventional wood and composite alternatives, while avoiding the use of toxic chemicals or water-intensive processes.
The partnership provides PCIAW members with a structured pathway to divert used uniforms from landfill. It also supports compliance with emerging regulations such as extended producer responsibility (EPR) and digital product passports (DPP). Greenful estimated 92 million tonnes of textile waste and 400 million tonnes of plastic waste are generated annually across the globe.
Looking ahead, Greenful’s roadmap calls for 150 localised factories to be operational by 2050, each diverting up to 35,000 tonnes of waste and saving an estimated 94,500 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent annually.
Greenful’s expansion is backed by industrial partners including KraussMaffei for extrusion systems and Elomatic for factory design. The company plans to anchor growth across Europe, the Middle East, and other strategic regions in response to rising demand for low-carbon construction solutions.
PCIAW said the partnership allows members to strengthen ESG credentials and respond to client and regulatory pressure for circular economy initiatives.
Further details, including implementation timelines and policy engagement strategies, are expected to be announced at the APEX/IFSA Global Expo 2025 this September.
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