In an era where sustainability is no longer optional but imperative, the textile industry is undergoing a dramatic shift. Sustainability is no longer a “nice to have”, it’s a competition driver.
Traditional textiles rely on virgin materials, high-water dyeing, and linear “take-make-dispose” models. It is these issues that need to be addressed to future-proof companies offering these services. For this, companies are now aiming to move toward the “reuse-regenerate-repeat” model.
The brand AFC CIRCULAR (trademarked), developed by Asiatic Fiber Corporation (AFC), has now emerged as an example of the circular-economy approach applied to textile manufacturing. The aim of this new brand is to offer a turnkey, eco-conscious series that addresses these issues.
Speaking to the company revealed the true scale of planning and logistics that went into the creation of this range, which launched in 2024.
“With AFC Circular, we’re turning sustainability into action. By repurposing waste and using recycled materials, we’re not just meeting industry standards, we’re setting new ones. Our workwear solutions are designed to protect both people and the planet,” said Chairman Simon Chen.
AFC explained that it has been collaborating with European customers since 2021 to develop eco-friendly cleanroom fabrics. One such collaboration, with one of Europe’s largest industrial consumables distributors, resulted in the introduction of dual recycled fibre technology.
This collaboration resulted in the pioneering inclusion of fabric edge trimmings and fabric waste into the recycling process. "Unlike the recycling of PET bottle fibres, the integration of fabric edge trimmings creates an "internal loop," effectively turning waste into reusable fibres,” AFC stated.
Applications and product range
While many sustainability-textile initiatives remain niche, AFC CIRCULAR offers industrial-grade solutions that spans cleanroom wipes, apparel (workwear), and other performance fabrics.
AFC explains that the collaboration with the European industrial consumables distributor has successfully applied this brand to its ISO Class 5 cleanroom. Now major domestic manufacturers, such as global semiconductor leader TSMC, are also evaluating AFC Circular adoption to achieve carbon reduction and ESG benefits.
The offering is relevant for businesses that demand both functionality (for example industrial, medical, or cleanroom environments) and a strong sustainability profile. That dual capability strengthens the value proposition: you’re not simply choosing “green” for appearances, but integrating a materials solution designed for reuse, minimal environmental footprint, and industrial applicability.
Key components and features
When Cleanroom Technology spoke to AFC, the team emphasised that this a three-pronged attack. The new brand would push sustainability in:
- Materials
- Processes
- Packaging
In doing this, the line can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 77% and decrease water consumption by 90%.
Spotlight: Materials
At the heart of AFC CIRCULAR is the use of recycled yarns and regenerated fabric scraps. Rather than simply using recycled polyester or nylon, the emphasis is on textile-to-textile regeneration. This means taking leftover fabrics and converting them into new usable fibre.
The company also emphasise that the product is free from PFAS (per-fluorinated compounds) and other persistent pollutants. These can cause cascading problems for ecosystems, so it is key that they are included in the materials addressed.
The company told Cleanroom Technology that it is also prepared for the Eco-design for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) coming into force in the EU market. By 2030, all textile products will need to be durable, repairable, recyclable, free of hazardous substances, and largely made from recycled fibres. This will include medical and cleanroom textiles.
Removing such chemicals will help the products adhere to standards like OEKO-TEX (registered trademark), Bluesign (registered trademark), and GRS.
|
Feature |
AFC Circular Cleanroom Apparel |
Traditional Cleanroom Apparel |
|
Eco-Friendly Material Percentage |
≧90% |
0% |
|
Color Fastness |
Grade 4.5 |
Grade 4 |
|
Washability |
≧150 cycles |
≦100 cycles |
|
Water Consumption Reduction |
≧90% |
NA |
Spotlight: Processes
Diving into the changes to the processes, AFC emphasises minimising waste, water, and energy consumption at every production step.
One striking statistic that they explain is that for every 1kg of fabric dyed in the innovative process, the facility saves approximately 62kg of water compared to conventional dyeing.
Additionally, the company reports successfully reducing annual carbon emissions by 39% between 2021 and 2023 under ISO 14064-1 certification.
Spotlight: Packaging and end-of-line considerations
The circular mindset extends beyond the fabric. As a huge part of designing an eco-friendly product, the packaging must be designed carefully. With 100% biodegradable materials and minimal printing and colour, AFC CIRCULAR further reduces resource consumption.
But why does this matter?
Textile manufacturing is one of the world’s most resource-intensive industries. High water use, significant chemical treatment, large volumes of waste, and heavy carbon emissions all contribute to this.
But these products support life-saving technologies, and due to the infection control needs of the end-user, a continuous supply is necessary. As such, transitioning to circular models is increasingly seen as vital for the industry’s future.
Challenges and considerations
Of course, implementing circular textile solutions is not without challenges. Some of the issues to consider include supply chain complexity, cost implications, and performance trade-offs.
Supply chains are a factor that has to be duly considered when it comes to recycled fabrics. Sourcing a sufficient volume requires an expert company with experience in complex logistical planning. AFC is well-established across the globe. The company has long been performing complex deliveries that have prepared it well for this challenge.
And finally, the performance trade-off factor. AFC were incredibly keen to communicate that comfort is never sacrificed in the name of sustainability. “High performance should not be compromised in eco-friendly solutions,” the company stated.
Conclusion
In summary, AFC CIRCULAR stands as a compelling example of how the textile industry can transition from a linear “take-make-dispose” model to a circular “reuse-regenerate-repeat” model.
With a strong emphasis on recycled materials, resource-efficient production, minimal chemicals, and eco-conscious packaging, the brand addresses many of the major environmental stress-points of textile manufacturing.
While adoption challenges remain (supply chain complexity, cost, performance concerns), the broader direction of the market favours such circular solutions. For businesses seeking to align with sustainability goals, reduce environmental footprint and stay ahead of regulatory and consumer pressure, partnering with or specifying fabrics like those from AFC CIRCULAR may be an important step.
In the long run, transforming “waste” into “worth” isn’t just a catchy slogan, it may become the defining hallmark of the textile industry’s next chapter.