Building circular ecosystems and urban mining for textiles with Cyndi Rhoades (Circle 8)

What if our old clothes could become the foundation of an entirely new industry? Cindy Rhoades, a filmmaker who pivoted to become a textile entrepreneur, takes us on her remarkable journey from music videos to pioneering circular solutions for the fashion industry.

Rhoades' story begins with creative nightclub events that made social and environmental issues accessible and engaging. When one such event focused on ethical fashion, she discovered her passion for solving textile waste challenges, leading her to found Worn Again in 2005. The company's evolution from upcycling discarded airline seat covers into handbags to developing groundbreaking molecular recycling technology perfectly illustrates the learning curve of circular innovation.

But technology alone doesn't solve systemic problems. As Rhoades discovered, even the most promising recycling methods face a critical infrastructure gap. Her newest venture, Circle 8, addresses this challenge through automated sorting facilities designed specifically to prepare non-rewearable textiles for chemical and mechanical recycling. What makes her approach unique is the emphasis on ecosystem building – creating collaborative relationships between brands, recyclers, and existing sorters that connect waste streams with future manufacturing needs.

The most compelling insight Rhoades shares is reframing textile waste as an economic opportunity. For countries that don't produce traditional textile raw materials, circular systems enable "urban mining" – transforming domestic waste into valuable resources and establishing entirely new industries. With Circle 8's automated sorting line arriving in March and plans for a 25,000-ton facility underway, Rhoades is turning this vision into reality.

Whether you're fascinated by sustainability innovation, circular business models, or the future of fashion, this conversation offers a masterclass in how ecosystem thinking can transform waste challenges into economic opportunities. Listen now to discover how your discarded clothes might fuel tomorrow's textile revolution.

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