TCBL Association, invited to participate, as associate partner in the mid-term conference of the TexDan project in Zagreb on 12 June 2025. TexDan consortium includes 14 Project partners (included TCBL founding partner REGINNOVA) and 6 Associated partners that come from 11 countries in the Danube Region and 1 international association.
From textile marketplaces to bio-based materials, the circular fashion movement is gaining serious momentum across Central and Eastern Europe. TexDan intends to define a vision for circular textile and fashion value chains in the Danube region and will support local companies’ pilot projects to achieve increased circularity in the design, production, reuse, recycling of the regional textile and clothing sector.
TCBL Association experts Alice Gras and Luca Leonardi moderated the pitching session of TexDan pilot projects, and suggested improvements to make those more effective. The selected pilots work at the intersection of sustainability, design, and innovation.
SMEs and startups pitching on stage were Textiloop (CR), Sabant (CR), Galeb (CR), Pink Ponilo (HU), TSMP sro (SK), ARCA CHrast sro (SK) and ArTech Inzenjering (RS) while Magbago (BiH) , Sens21 Concept SRL (RO) and TXB Group sro (CZ), KARMA Gloves (HU) joined online.
Their stories reveal a vibrant ecosystem focused on upcycling, circular platforms, and alternative materials, all aiming to redefine the future of fashion.
• Turning Waste into Value: Tech & Platform Innovations
Textiloop (Croatia) – A Marketplace for Textile Waste
A B2B SaaS platform optimizing real-time textile waste exchange. Already trusted by six suppliers, Textiloop now aims to attract more partners and clients.
• From Brewery to Bio-Leather: Radical Material Alternatives
Sabant (Croatia) – Beer Skin™ & Gin Skin™
Sabant transforms brewing and distilling byproducts into premium plant-based leather alternatives. With products like Beer Skin™ and Gin Skin™, the brand is positioning itself as a luxurious and sustainable material supplier.
• Heritage Meets Circular Action: Manufacturer Transitions
Galeb (Croatia) – Circular Knitwear Pioneer
With 314 employees, Galeb blends heritage knitwear (B2B & B2C) with a commitment to waste reduction and regional cooperation. The company seeks to enhance its visibility through a revamped website and sustainability-focused social media strategy.
• Independent Studios & Emerging Voices
Pink Ponilo (Hungary) – Studio Rooted in Sustainability
This design and production studio is already part of the TCBL network. Its main ambition is client acquisition, supported by a clearer articulation of its added value and a stronger marketing strategy.
• Waste management & Citizen engagement
TSMP (Slovakia) - Responsible for the waste management in the city of Presov.
The company is undertaking a comprehensive initiative to manage textile waste by financing textile collection, processing, and public education. Its goals include completing the construction of a textile sorting facility, expanding textile collection points, and raising awareness about sustainable practices and the circular economy. Additionally, the company aims to establish a social, non-profit enterprise that transforms textile waste into income-generating opportunities, promoting reuse and domestic recycling.
• From Local Associations to Legislative Impact
ARCA Chrast / HUMANA (Slovakia)
ARCA is a major association in need of stronger visibility. With recent legislative developments - like France's anti-fast fashion law—it has the opportunity to position itself as a leader in textile reuse and partner with initiatives like the Fédération de la Mode Circulaire and Circular Textile Days.
• Recycling Tech and Industry Collaboration
ArTech Inzenjering (Serbia) – Design for recycling
This Serbian initiative develops technologies to repurpose textile waste into products like soundproofing panels. To reach new B2B clients, ArTech could benefit from strategic marketing support and partnerships with european design schools
• Food Waste to Fashion
Magbago (Bosnia & Herzegovina) – Ecoresponsible alternative leather
This innovative label transforms food waste into fashion. With a strong eco-responsible sourcing strategy, Magbago can leverage its knowledge base and look to collaborators to expand its impact.
• Retail with a mission
Sens21 Concept (Romania) – Retail, a first place to educate consumers
Founded by two sisters, Sens 21 operates both an online shop and physical store. The platform curates vintage and sustainable fashion while educating customers on circular practices. Its next challenge is strengthening its stylistic DNA and developing a consulting offer around repair and rewear.
• Beyond recycling
TXB Group sro (Slovakia) – Recycling added value services
With 200 textile collection containers in the Czech Republic, TXB is innovating in textile waste processing. Their next steps include conducting lifecycle analyses, enhancing communication, and seeking design collaborations for product development.
• Craftsmanship & Digital Futures
Karma Gloves (Hungary) – High-End with a Digital Twist.
This luxury glove maker is exploring the integration of digital product passports. Starting with a flagship item for branding purposes could help test the concept, potentially offered to clients as a premium add-on.
From software platforms and waste transformation tech to pioneering bio-materials and slow fashion boutiques, these businesses exemplify the creative and entrepreneurial energy driving circularity in Central and Eastern Europe. As sustainability becomes a prerequisite rather than a differentiator, now is the time to elevate their voices, deepen their partnerships, and amplify their impact.
