Approximately 20 representatives from the stakeholder group participated online to learn about the results of the Bulgarian analysis of legal and regulatory challenges, the Bulgarian analysis of the behavior of textile manufacturers, textile traders, and fashion designers, as well as the findings from the Bulgarian and transnational analyses on the skills required by women entrepreneurs to transition to a circular and digital economy.

As part of the event, three of the five best practices for implemented circular models in Bulgaria, included in the TEX-DAN project, were presented

The good practice of Revive Apparel - Upcycling - the reuse of materials to create new products, was presented by the brand's founders, Gabriela Georgieva and Gabriela Tomova-Boneva.

REVIVE apparel is a sustainable fashion brand born out of the desire for an eco-friendly lifestyle and the passion for fashion shared by two young women, Gabriela and Gabriela. The brand offers upcycled clothing and accessories made from repurposed fabrics sourced from second-hand clothes. The reuse of textiles minimizes the amount of waste sent to landfills and reduces the need for fabric production, thereby conserving valuable resources.

The primary goal of the brand is to inspire more people to live with an eco-conscious mindset through fashion. REVIVE apparel’s first collection was created using repurposed denim. The designs are limited-edition, and the production method ensures that each piece is unique. They provide a sustainable alternative without compromising on design.

REVIVE apparel - where fashion meets sustainability.

For more details about this practice, visit their website: https://reviveapparel.bg/

Ms. Gena Sabeva shared the inspiring story behind the creation of Rematrak - Recycling Used Mattresses and Generating Secondary Products. Mattress recycling is an emerging industry in Bulgaria, still in its early stages of development. Like any new activity, it faces its own challenges and opportunities.The primary challenge in mattress recycling is the lack of infrastructure and public awareness. Currently, there are only a few companies in Bulgaria focused on mattress recycling, with Rematrak.bg being one of the key players in the field. Unfortunately, many people are still unaware of the importance of this activity.

Despite this, the growth potential is enormous. A significant amount of waste is generated in Bulgaria, with mattresses accounting for a substantial portion. Annually, approximately 350,000 mattresses are produced in Bulgaria, and an additional 150,000 are imported. This means that at least 126,000 of them are discarded, most likely ending up in landfills. Mattress recycling can reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, conserve natural resources, and create new job opportunities. 

TexCycle Recycling, which was also selected as a successful example by the partners of the TEX-DAN project, was presented during the meeting. TexCycle is the brand that consolidates textile recovery solutions provided by Eurotex Ltd., a company with proven sustainable practices. Founded as a sorting and wholesale trading company in 2000 in Bulgaria, it has grown into an international group of companies specializing in the collection, sorting, distribution, and recycling of used clothing, footwear, and other textile products.

The company continuously adapts its business, developing circular solutions for various stages of textile recovery in response to the need for sustainable solutions in the evolving textile industry. TexCycle actively participates in leading local, European, and global recycling associations focused on finding effective circular solutions in collaboration with other companies in the fashion and recycling industries.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the need for continued collaboration, capacity building for women entrepreneurs, and the promotion of circular business models as key steps toward sustainable transformation in the textile and fashion sector.