Global textile recycling has made real progress on the technology front, but the industry keeps running into the same roadblock: supply. Chemical and mechanical recyclers have the tools to process old textiles, but they rarely get a steady flow of post-consumer materials that are clean enough and available in large enough quantities to support real growth.

Claras Materials, a new company based in Charlotte, N.C., is stepping in to fill that gap.

The company, which launched Friday, aims to deliver the steady, large-scale supply of raw materials that chemical recycling and fiber-to-fiber operations need to move beyond pilot projects.

“The technology to recycle post-consumer textiles at scale exists,” said Patrick Mullen, founder and CEO of the specialized supply chain company. “What’s missing is a reliable supply.”

Claras Materials was “purpose-built” to tackle this exact problem: turning unpredictable waste streams into reliable, industrial-grade feedstock. The company starts by carefully sourcing used clothing from around the world, ensuring the fiber mix is right before anything is sent for processing.

Next, Claras uses near-infrared technology to sort materials by fiber type, then removes any hardware by hand. The result is single-fiber bales—polyester, cotton, or wool—that are ready for recycling facilities to use right away. Founder Mullen brings decades of experience working with cotton and polyester-cotton blends—positioning the company to deliver the high-quality feedstock that chemical recyclers need to finally scale up.

Claras’ announcement alone signals a turning point for the textile-to-textile recycling sector. Instead of just proving that recycling technology works, the focus is now on building a dependable supply chain. By targeting the missing link—consistent, high-purity inputs—the company aims to bring stability to a market that has struggled to progress beyond the pilot stage.

Claras said it’s currently engaged in active discussions with global recycling partners. While specific processing facility locations will be announced at a later date, the company anticipates commencing commercial operations in 2027.