Re-Fresh Global provides end-to-end solutions for the circular economy through novel textile waste management technologies. The proprietary technology “Smart-Up” is a micro-factory system to repurpose post-consumer textile waste into new raw materials such as sanitized multifunctional textile pulp, bioethanol, and nanocellulose.
The fashion industry represents a multi-trillion-dollar global market, yet it is also the second most polluting industry worldwide. Currently roughly 80% of all second hand clothing is downcycled, exported or landfilled and an estimated USD 500bn of value is lost every year due to lack of recycling and clothes thrown into landfills. Moreover, by 2050 the fashion industry is expected to account for 25 percent of global CO2 emissions.
To tackle the above-mentioned challenges, the WFD (“EU Waste Framework Directive”) has stated that EU member States shall set up separate collection for textiles by 2025, as well as ensure that collected textiles are not incinerated or landfilled. WFD also encourages setting up systems for repair and reuse of textiles to prevent waste, driving strong demand for systems like “Smart-Up”.
Re-Fresh Global has developed the technology to convert textile waste into three main products: ethanol (applications including cosmetics, fragrances and sanitizer), nanocellulose (the most high-value product, priced at EUR 100-2000 per kilogram, with applications like packaging and coating), and sanitized pulps (applications including furniture, interior design, fillers).
Turning textile waste into new raw materials
The company plans to build their own factory at the first phase to validate the unit economics and set up a franchise business model to scale up. They plan to franchise the factory to business entrepreneurs, recycling businesses and textile businesses, and generate an estimated 15 percent revenue share from the franchisees.
The company has already filed a utility model of its technology to convert used cellulosic textile waste into nanocellulose, with further plans for other patents. Re-Fresh Global has secured a promising sales pipeline with 20 potential customers across different industries, including one of the world leading car brands, a world-wide manufacturer of hygiene products and others. The company targets to secure 2-3 pilots and generate EUR 200-300k revenue by the end of 2022.
Re-Fresh Global is founded by two female co-founders, both are co-CEOs of the company: Revita Nadiv, a serial entrepreneur and expert in textile design and innovation, and Viktoria Kanar, a serial entrepreneur and ex-fashion producer. Currently the team leverages an external Chief Technology Advisor, Dr. Itzhak Shalev. On the other hand, Re-Fresh Global hired seniors for the Berlin location in the fields of R&D and Business Development. By doing so, the company continues to grow and expand its expert team.
Serpentine Ventures believes in Re-Fresh Global's innovative textile waste management solution and that is why invested.
