Debrand has released its inaugural 2025 Transparency Report, setting a new benchmark for visibility across textile circularity. The report moves beyond conventional metrics to provide a detailed, pathway-level view of where materials end up, spanning reuse, recycling, upcycling, and responsible disposal.
At a time when much of the industry relies on aggregated diversion data or estimated environmental impact, Debrand’s approach introduces a more granular perspective. The report combines detailed data with insights into operational constraints, trade-offs, and infrastructure gaps that continue to shape circular outcomes.
Amelia Eleiter, CEO and Co-Founder of Debrand, said:
“In an industry as oversimplified and misunderstood as fashion, we believe real progress starts with clarity. If we can’t see what’s happening behind the scenes, and be honest about what’s working and what isn’t, we can’t meaningfully move forward. This report is our commitment to opening that black box.”
Key Diversion Insights from FY2025
In FY2025, Debrand processed over 2.4 million pounds of apparel, accessories, and packaging materials, distributing them across multiple next-life pathways aligned with circularity principles:
- Reuse: 347,440 pounds (13.66%) were directed towards resale and donation, extending product life at maximum value
- Recycling: Over 1.7 million pounds (69.54%) were allocated to recycling, primarily for fibre reclamation
- Advanced Recycling: 27,107 pounds (1.06%) were directed to textile-to-textile recycling pilots, highlighting early-stage scalability challenges
- Remanufacturing (Upcycling): 25,269 pounds (0.99%) were channelled into upcycling initiatives
- Responsible Disposal: Approximately 415,000 pounds (16.32%) were processed through waste-to-energy and alternative fuel pathways
Rather than presenting these figures in isolation, the report contextualises them within the broader industry landscape. It highlights that despite progress, circularity remains constrained by product design limitations, inconsistent infrastructure, and underdeveloped end markets.
Rethinking Transparency in Textile Circularity
A central theme of the report is redefining transparency in the textile sector. Instead of focusing solely on total diversion rates, Debrand breaks down outcomes by end-use channels, offering a clearer understanding of material flows and system inefficiencies.
This approach reinforces a critical insight: recycling alone is not sufficient. High-value reuse remains underutilised, advanced recycling technologies are still scaling, and certain material categories lack viable circular solutions altogether.
Collaboration as a Catalyst for Change
The report also emphasises the importance of ecosystem partnerships in advancing circularity. Debrand collaborates with brands and innovators such as lululemon and Samsara Eco to pilot solutions across resale, textile-to-textile recycling, takeback programmes, and material innovation.
Amelia Eleiter added:
“The intent of this report is not perfection, it’s progress. We hope it serves as a starting point for more open dialogue across the industry. The more visibility we create together, the faster we can identify solutions and scale what works.”
Debrand plans to publish the report annually, with a focus on improving traceability, refining data accuracy, and expanding visibility across next-life pathways as infrastructure and technologies evolve.
The 2025 Transparency Report is now available via the company’s official platform.
