# Technological advancements in circular fashion

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/technological-advancements-in-circular-fashion
> Updated: 2026-08-26T04:00:52.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

In Spain, technological advancements are facilitating the transition toward circular fashion. The use of near-infrared (NIR) sensors allows for the rapid identification of fiber compositions in used clothing, enabling robotic arms to sort garments for recycling with high accuracy.

These innovations are viewed as a “key piece” to transitioning from theoretical models to real-world operations, according to Héctor Viniegra Bernal of the Tecnalia research center. Such technology supports upcoming European Union Digital Product Passport (DPP) mandates, which will require QR codes to track garments throughout their lifecycle. These developments aim to address the fashion industry’s environmental impact, noting that current textile recycling rates in Spain remain low, with only 12% of textiles being collected separately for recycling.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-26: Technology drives circular fashion through textile recycling in Spain

Advanced NIR sensors and robotic technology in Spain are enabling textile recycling and supporting the EU's upcoming Digital Product Passport to combat the fashion industry's environmental impact.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/technology-drives-circular-fashion-through-textile-recycling-in-spain

### 2026-08-10: Sweden's fashion startups drive innovation through sustainability

Swedish fashion startups are redefining the industry by combining Scandinavian design with circular business models, focusing on sustainability, resale, and technological innovation.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/swedens-fashion-startups-drive-innovation-through-sustainability

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Cite as: Technological advancements in circular fashion. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/technological-advancements-in-circular-fashion