Re:newcell: fostering sustainable development through technological, circular and networked approach

This chapter aims to contribute to the current discussion on environmental and economic sustainability of the textile and fashion industry, by exploring the phenomenon through the experience of the Swedish company Re:newcell. The business is an emerging stakeholder in the textile recycling sector, co-founded in 2012 by Swedish scientists and a family-owned investment company. Since its establishment, the company is experimenting with novel technological processes to recycle cellulose-based textile waste, by building strategic partnerships with industry, academia and government to “close the loop” and foster systemic innovation. The analysis of the company offers valuable insights to identify the factors that support the emergence and implementation of circular innovative practices, as well as factors that could hinder progress and scalability.