BlockTexx, a Queensland-based clean technology company, has been awarded the Banksia National Sustainability Gold Award, recognising its innovative efforts in tackling textile waste.
The company, recognised for its pioneering solution to recycle polyester and cellulose from textiles and clothing, received the honour at a gala event in Melbourne.
The Banksia National Sustainability Awards, organised by the Banksia Foundation, celebrate and highlight impactful solutions addressing the critical sustainability challenges facing the world today.
The company’s breakthrough technology focuses on recycling clothes made from mixed polyester and cotton, which are typically difficult to process and often end up in landfills, as revealed in a news release.
By breaking down these fabrics, BlockTexx transforms them into two valuable materials—recycled polyester (PolyTexx) and cellulose (CellTexx)—which can be reused in new products, reducing the environmental impact of textile waste.
The Banksia Foundation’s judging panel, composed of respected sustainability experts, commended BlockTexx for its extensive research and development efforts to combat the growing issue of textile waste.
According to global projections, textile waste is expected to reach 140 million tonnes by 2030, with Australians contributing significantly to the problem.
BlockTexx operates a recycling plant in Loganholme, Queensland, capable of processing 10,000 tonnes of fabric annually—equivalent to 8,000 shirts per hour—thereby preventing large volumes of clothes from reaching landfills.
The company also utilises blockchain technology to monitor and track each step of the recycling process, ensuring minimal waste.
“BlockTexx is leading efforts to make the fashion and textile industry circular— their work demonstrates how smart ideas can turn old clothes into something valuable,” said Graz van Egmond, CEO of the Banksia Foundation.
“They embody the innovation, passion, and impact that the Banksia Foundation has showcased for 36 years.”
BlockTexx initially won the Circular Economy category, sponsored by the Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre, before being selected as the overall winner from 14 category award winners.
For more information on the Banksia National Sustainability Awards and the full list of winners, visit the Banksia Foundation website.
