In 2022, Italy produced approximately 160,000 tonnes of textile waste, equivalent to roughly 2.7 kg of fabric per capita, with an upward trend compared to previous years and separate waste collection covering around 70–76 per cent of municipalities. These figures, drawn from official sources and sector associations, paint a picture of an industry in flux but still far from achieving full circularity. This is where Nazena comes in, rightfully joining the ecosystem of sustainable startups at LifeGate Way with its patented process for recycling textile waste.

Textile fibre recycling in Italy: the numbers and the supply chain

According to recent estimates, only a minority share of collected materials actually goes on to be recycled or reused: in some surveys, fewer than 22–23 per cent of collected textile waste is directed towards genuine recovery processes. The obligation for separate collection came into force in Italy several years ahead of the European deadline, yet the supply chain is struggling to consolidate. Across Europe the situation is equally critical: the Union records an average of only 12 per cent of textile waste collected separately and expects that by 2025 a total of between 1.25 and 1.3 million tonnes per year will be recycled. Even at a global level, the percentage of textiles recycled into new fibres remains below one per cent, while 80 per cent of discarded garments ends up in landfill or is incinerated.

Nazena's Italian innovation for transforming textile waste

It is in this context that Nazena was born and has grown — an Italian startup that aims to fill some of the main gaps in the circular textile supply chain through advanced recycling technologies. Founded by a group of entrepreneurs with experience in industrial sustainability and materials science, Nazena has developed a patented recycling process capable of converting textile waste of various kinds into secondary materials rich in recycled fibres.

Nazena's technological system adds value to materials that would otherwise be destined for disposal: the products generated contain at least 70 per cent recycled textile fibre, a threshold significantly higher than current recycling averages in the sector. These materials are designed for use across a range of industrial and design applications, including furniture panels, commercial display units, wall cladding tiles and customisable furnishing objects.

Choosing such a diverse range of end uses makes it possible to extend the market beyond fashion, encompassing sectors such as interior design and construction, where demand for sustainable solutions is growing rapidly. The materials produced by Nazena are durable and customisable, and can also boast a sustainability profile superior to that of traditional materials or products made from virgin fibres.

Business model, sustainability and social impact

Nazena operates along two complementary lines: businesses and end consumers. On the business side, the startup collaborates with fashion brands, fabric distributors and design companies to integrate regenerated materials into production processes, reducing dependence on virgin raw materials and the overall environmental impact. In practical terms, it offers waste transformation services and customisation solutions that allow these materials to be reintroduced into finished products with high added value.

Nazena aims to generate measurable environmental and social benefits, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption and the use of virgin raw materials throughout the entire life cycle of the materials. This approach is consistent with the extended producer responsibility (EPR) framework, which assigns companies responsibility for their products even in the post-consumer phase. Its extension to the fashion sector is envisaged by the revision of the European waste directive.

At the same time, the startup also aims to educate end users on the value of textile recycling and the importance of reducing waste. Communication activities, workshops and collaborations with emerging designers all contribute to building a culture of circularity that goes beyond regulatory obligations, encouraging conscious purchasing behaviour.