# RMIT textile recycling research project

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/rmit-textile-recycling-research-project
> Updated: 2026-10-26T18:43:05.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Researcher Lisa Piller from RMIT University has developed a textile recycling pathway through her doctoral project, ‘Walking in Circles’. The initiative focuses on transforming decommissioned Western Australian Parks and Wildlife Service uniforms into new yarns and fashion garments.

In collaboration with the ARC Research Hub for Future Fibres, the process involves blending recovered technical fibers with cotton from the Kimberley region. This method utilizes a new local cotton gin to process regional cotton locally, reducing the need for interstate transport. The resulting experimental garments were showcased at the ‘Imagine: Material Stories’ exhibition during Fremantle Design Week 2026, demonstrating the potential for circular and regenerative textile systems to mitigate industry waste.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-26: RMIT researcher recycles fire-service uniforms into new textiles

RMIT researcher Lisa Piller is piloting a project that recycles retired Western Australian fire-service uniforms into new yarns and garments by blending them with locally grown Kimberley cotton.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rmit-researcher-recycles-fire-service-uniforms-into-new-textiles

### 2026-10-24: RMIT researcher recycles fire-service uniforms into fashion textiles

RMIT researcher Lisa Piller is piloting a recycling project that transforms retired Western Australian fire-service uniforms and local Kimberley cotton into new fashion yarns and garments.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rmit-researcher-recycles-fire-service-uniforms-into-fashion-textiles

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Cite as: RMIT textile recycling research project. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/rmit-textile-recycling-research-project