Network Development

Material Return 

Material Return partners with both local manufacturers and national brands to innovate in the reuse of textile waste, crafting new products entirely within a 75-mile radius.

We're at the forefront of building a circular economy, where every reclaimed piece of textile not only contributes to environmental well-being but also bolsters local economies, enriches our workers' lives, and offers our clients sustainable solutions. Our vision is to establish Material Return as the leading hub in the U.S. for brands and manufacturers seeking bespoke circular processes, simultaneously uplifting the workforce in our region.

Carolina Textile District 

Carolina Textile District connects makers, designers, and entrepreneurs to a reliable domestic supply chain in order to make quality products here at home. 

We are committed to empowering workers and supporting local communities through secure, meaningful jobs, and we aspire to economic, environmental, and social sustainability in every aspect of our work. By facilitating active collaboration between makers and manufacturers across Western North Carolina and ensuring an ethical, values-based process, we are reimagining the future of the American textile industry.

A group of people are seated in a circle inside an industrial space. There is machinery behind them.

COLLECTION

An initiative by the Carolina Textile District, unites North Carolina manufacturers who share a commitment to more than just producing goods.

Buying from COLLECTION means investing in ethical production practices, creating valuable jobs, and contributing to the revival of a region.

Two woman are wearing yellow beanies made by Collection. One is holding a marigold flower.
NSF Engines Inaugural Award

The Engine

TIC has won the U.S. National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engine Award

The U.S. National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines) award “NSF Engines: North Carolina Textile Innovation and Sustainability Engine” will advance our nation’s capacity for innovations in textiles that maintains a lens of environmental sustainability and with an eye toward circularity, positioning the Engine as a global leader in this sector.

A young asian woman and middle aged caucasian man are in a factory looking at a piece of equipment.

In 10 years, our engine will:

  • Research and Development: 

    • Increase U.S. circular products by 5%,

    • Support the creation of 50 new aligned businesses

    • Shift 200 businesses (20% of the industry) into circular production

  • Translation of Innovation:

    • Convert 200M pounds of the region’s waste into circular goods

    • Assist 150 national brands in reaching total circularity for 250 leading product lines

  • Workforce Development:

    • Grow circular textile employment in the region by 10%,

    • Retain 10,000 jobs in the textile and related sectors,

    • Create 5,000 new jobs in the textile circular economy