As the fashion industry grapples with the insurmountable problem of textile waste and increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices, the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI), in partnership with Bayo Manila, Inc. through DOST’s CRADLE Program, has launched the Textile Revitalized (TexRev) Project.

This initiative is geared to revolutionize the Philippine textile industry by converting post-industrial fabric scraps into sustainable yarns. Doing so, provides an effective solution in tackling textile waste while driving circularity.

The urgency to address textile waste has never been more urgent. In 2023, household spending on clothing and footwear in the country reached nearly P232 billion, this reflects the sector’s rapid expansion but also shows its growing industrial waste problem. Globally, textile production soared from 58 million tons in 2000 to approximately 109 million tons in 2020. This figure is projected to increase by 160 million tons as we reach 2030.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) reports that the fashion industry accounts for up to two to eight percent of global carbon emissions and is the second-largest consumer of water. As brands worldwide face increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices, TexRev positions the Philippines as a key player in the circular fashion movement.

Bayo Manila, a homegrown clothing brand, generates around 16 tons of textile waste annually. Without a proper recycling system, much of this waste contributes to landfill overflow and environmental degradation. TexRev disrupts this cycle by repurposing discarded fabrics into high-quality yarns, which drastically cuts down water and energy consumption compared to traditional virgin fiber production.

“Through our commitment to the UN Global Compact and collaborations with PTRI, we are proving that a Filipino fashion brand can be a leader in circular fashion, making an impact both locally and globally. We believe that the future of fashion is truly circular,” said Anna Losanta Marie A. Lagon, co-CEO of Bayo Manila, Inc., during the 2025 National Textile Convention (TELACon).

The TexRev process begins with collecting and sorting textile waste by color and material type. The fabrics are then cut, shredded into fibers and tested for quality. After impurities are removed through carding, the fibers are spun into yarns and blended with virgin materials for added strength and durability. These yarns are then woven into fabrics and undergo finishing treatments such as dyeing, water repellency and antimicrobial coating for sustainable fashion and home textile use.

Currently, the TexRev project targets garment manufacturers, providing them with a responsible alternative to conventional textiles. By reintroducing textile waste into production, TexRev provides a practical path that will minimize a company’s environmental footprint while maintaining product quality.

Beyond waste reduction, this project aims to spark a systemic change in the industry. During the project launch, industry leaders weighed in on the role of sustainability in reshaping the creative sector. Panelists included DOST-PTRI director Dr. Julius L. Leaño, Jr.; Marie Venus Q. Tan, co-chairperson of the City of Baguio Creative Council and board trustee at Bayo Manila Foundation; Dawn F. Cabigon, general manager of Fairs and More, Inc. and campaign manager of the UN’s Race to Net Zero Philippines, Inc.; and Alvin Tejada, founder of APTCS Group and chairperson of the UAP Green Architecture Movement. Discussions centered on the changes needed to integrate eco-conscious practices into mainstream textile, creative and fashion industries.

“The creative industry has become a powerful catalyst for integrating innovations that promote sustainable production and the responsible use of natural materials in ways that resonate with consumers. As highly visual and experiential people, Filipinos connect with what resonates, making the creative sector essential in advancing the sustainability agenda by transforming eco-conscious ideas into tangible, relatable experiences that inspire real change,” said Leaño.

As fast fashion reckons with growing calls for accountability, this project showcases how innovation can propel the industry toward circularity.

Leaño emphasized that “TexRev is more than just a recycling initiative, it’s a movement toward a circular economy, demonstrating that waste can be transformed into new opportunities.”