Shaping the Future of Circularity in Fashion Challenge

Challenges

• How can they innovate textile-to-textile recycling for a circular future?
  • Context / Need:
    • As part of SHEIN’s commitment to sustainability, they are focused on advancing textile-to-textile recycling solutions. The fashion industry faces challenges in reducing waste, and recycling excess fabrics into new products is key to achieving a circular economy. They’re looking for innovative startups working on textile recycling technologies and solutions that can scale, reduce environmental impact, and contribute to the creation of sustainable, recycled materials for the fashion industry. Startups with innovative textile solutions are encouraged to apply, particularly those offering new methods for recycling and reusing textile waste.
  • Expected Solutions:
    • They are looking for innovative solutions to recycle excess or ‘deadstock’ fabrics into materials suitable for the production of new garments. Startups should propose technologies or processes that improve textile recycling efficiency, whether through chemical or mechanical methods. Solutions should aim for large-scale production, be economically viable, and reduce environmental impact, while also enabling integration with fashion brands and suppliers. Additionally, solutions that promote reemploi or repair of textiles, aiming to extend the life cycle of garments, are of particular interest.
  • Scope:
    • The scope of this challenge includes startups working on innovative methods to recycle textile waste, particularly deadstock fabrics, into high-quality materials that can be used in the fashion production process. The solutions should address the challenges of scaling textile-to-textile recycling, improving resource efficiency, and reducing environmental impact. Startups should demonstrate how their technology can be integrated into existing supply chains and contribute to the circular fashion model. The focus will also be on repair techniques that can restore or upgrade garments for reuse, offering an additional layer of sustainability.
• How to develop circular recovery systems for 100% sustainable fashion?
  • Context/Need:
    • To achieve 100% sustainable fashion, the industry must focus on creating closed-loop systems that enable the recovery, recycling, and repurposing of worn garments. SHEIN recognizes the need for innovative circular recovery solutions that can transform end-of-life clothing into new, high-quality materials. The challenge is to identify startups capable of developing agile take-back systems that make this process efficient, scalable, and cost-effective, contributing to the creation of a truly circular fashion economy. They also welcome startups bringing forward innovative and sustainable textiles that support circularity, including solutions that integrate repair and reemploi into the process.
  • Expected Solutions:
    • They are seeking innovative solutions that can create efficient and scalable systems for garment recovery and recycling. This includes solutions for the collection of used garments, transportation to recycling facilities, and the transformation of these garments into high-quality textile fibers. The ideal solutions will not only focus on the technical aspects of recycling but also on the operational scalability, cost-effectiveness, and consumer engagement necessary for large-scale adoption. Solutions may also include proposals for new, innovative, and sustainable textiles designed for circular fashion, as well as strategies for repair and reemploi to maximize the lifespan of garments before they are recycled.
  • Scope:
    • This challenge focuses on developing systems and technologies for the full recovery of garments, from collection to recycling. They are interested in solutions that can efficiently manage the entire circular process, including garment take-back programs, sorting, recycling, and repurposing. Solutions should be scalable, feasible across multiple markets, and capable of transforming used garments into high-quality fibers for the fashion industry. The goal is to integrate these systems into SHEIN’s existing supply chain to enable a fully circular fashion model. Additionally, solutions for repair or reemploi that help extend the lifecycle of garments before final recycling are highly encouraged.

Rewards

• First Prize
  • For both Startup Challenge
  • Opportunity to pitch in front of the Circularity Fund’s investment committee
  • One month of personalized coaching at SHEIN’s Creative House
  • Direct support from SHEIN teams for developing circular solutions
  • Increased exposure and partnership opportunities
• Second Prize
  • For both Startup Challenge
  • Opportunity to pitch in front of the Circularity Fund’s investment committee
  • Strategic exposure and partnership opportunities
  • Exclusive interview on IP strategy and collaborations
  • Media coverage in sustainable fashion
• Third Prize
  • For both Startup Challenge
  • Strategic support for project scaling
  • Networking opportunities with SHEIN teams
  • Connections with partners in circular fashion
  • Enhanced collaboration to maximize sustainable impact
• For All the Selected Startups: Attend Vivatech
  • Win two 4-day passes to attend the 9th edition of VivaTech
  • Pitch on stage at the Pitch Studio

Selection Criteria

• Geography: Startups based in France and Europe.
• Maturity: Startups in the growth phase (scalable business).
• Relevance of Solution: Innovative solutions focused on sustainability.
• Your team: comprises of passionate people
• Technologies: Any type of technology.
• Market Fit: Solutions with strong adoption potential in the textile and/or fashion industry.

For more information, visit Viva Technology.