Textile recycler BlockTexx has won Australia’s top sustainability award this week.
The Queensland-based company was announced as the winner of the Banksia National Sustainability Gold Award at a gala event in Melbourne last week.
BlockTexx uses technology to break down clothes to turn them into two revised materials, recycled polyester and cellulose, which can be reused in new products.
The firm’s recycling plant in Loganholme, Queensland can handle 10,000 tonnes of fabric every year – or 8000 shirts an hour – and uses blockchain technology to track every step of the recycling process.
The Banksia Foundation’s judging panel praised BlockTexx on its extensive research and development efforts to solve the growing textile waste issue.
Globally, it’s predicted to hit 140 million tonnes by 2030 and Australians are among the worst offenders.
“BlockTexx is leading efforts to make the fashion and textile industry circular – their work shows how smart ideas can turn old clothes into something valuable,” Banksia Foundation CEO Graz van Egmond said.
“They embody the innovation, passion and impact that the Banksia Foundation has showcased for 36 years.”
BlockTexx first won the Circular Economy category, sponsored by Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre, before being selected as the top of the 14 category award winners.