How Closed Loop Recycling is Redefining Waste Management

‘Closed-loop recycling’ is defined by The Law Dictionary as a, ‘Production system using the waste or byproduct of one procedure or product to make another product,’ with your first thought being recycling of paper, metal, or glass. These materials can be reclaimed and reused for essentially the same purpose over, and over, and over again. So why is closed-loop recycling different and appealing?

Well, closed-loop recycling programs emphasize the ‘reduce’ activity in the ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ motto, while utilizing existing local, regional and national markets to implement the reuse and recycling actions. Practically applied, these programs reduce both consumption of natural resources and the amount of byproduct generated from operations, thereby keeping virgin material costs low and overall decreasing production waste.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a staggering 11.3 million tons of textiles ended up in landfills in 2024, while only a fraction, 2.5 million tons, were recycled in some capacity. This discrepancy highlights a critical gap in our current waste management systems, which we aim to close by not only offering a solution for recycling but by reducing the overall demand for textiles.

Closed Loop Recycling has made remarkable strides in combating this growing textile waste crisis. From company startup through 2024, our products and services have successfully diverted 50 million pounds of waste from landfills, which has motivated us to commit to assisting our customers to increase that value exponentially in the years to come. By providing innovative services that increase the longevity of products, we help our customers not only reduce their waste and environmental footprint but also optimize their spending.

Why are reusable oil-absorbent mats better for the environment than disposable mats?

Closed Loop Recycling’s oil-absorbent mats have the capacity to hold up to five times more fluid than traditional absorbent materials. This greater efficiency translates into less product used on a daily basis, reducing the need for constant replacements, saving on both material and labor. By ensuring that less material is needed for the same level of performance, we effectively reduce the consumption of raw materials required to manufacture absorbent mats. This directly contributes to the conservation of valuable resources that are becoming increasingly scarce, as highlighted by Keter’s 2020 sustainability report.

Furthermore, our efforts align with broader environmental goals by reducing the waste generated by manufacturing processes and extending the lifecycle of the products we create. Instead of relying on a linear ‘take, make, dispose’ model, we encourage our customers to embrace a ‘circular economy’ approach. This not only reduces the demand for new resources but also minimizes the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, fostering a more sustainable and responsible cycle of production and consumption.

The significance of this approach cannot be overstated. In a world where textile waste is one of the fastest-growing components of municipal solid waste, finding ways to recycle and reduce textile consumption is imperative. Closed Loop Recycling is proud to lead the way in creating scalable solutions that address these challenges while contributing to the conservation of the environment. With every pound of waste diverted and every product we manufacture, we move closer to a future where resource conservation and waste reduction are not just goals, but realities.

As the world faces increasing pressure on both natural resources and the environment, the impact of growing landfill usage on resources like water and the atmosphere cannot be ignored. Landfills, while they serve as waste disposal sites, are major contributors to environmental degradation, impacting everything from air quality to the availability of essential resources.

How does Closed Loop Recycling conserve water?

Closed Loop Recycling is committed to addressing these critical issues by implementing solutions that reduce the strain on both our natural resources and the environment. One of the ways we tackle this problem is through the recycling of water used in our operations. In our warehouses, we have installed an advanced waterwash system designed to capture and filter the water that is discharged during our processes. This system ensures that the water, once used, is treated and transformed into clean, reusable water. The treated water is stored in a holding tank and is called upon whenever needed for our washing process, drastically reducing the need for fresh, natural water.

This approach not only conserves a vital resource—water—but also enhances our operational efficiency, reducing both the environmental impact and costs associated with sourcing new water. By closing the loop on water use, we minimize our overall ecological footprint and contribute to the preservation of this finite resource.

How does Closed Loop Recycling reduce landfill waste?

The environmental impact of landfills extends beyond just the physical waste they contain. Methane emissions from landfills contribute to around 17% of global methane emissions, according to the EPA. Methane traps heat in the atmosphere and exacerbates the effects of climate change according to NASA. By focusing on reducing landfill waste, Closed Loop Recycling is addressing this issue head-on.

Our conservation of materials, particularly through the reuse of personal protective equipment (PPE) and absorbents, directly contributes to less waste being sent to landfills. Instead of companies discarding and repurchasing PPE each year, our services enable them to reuse these materials over many years. This has resulted in millions of pounds of waste being kept out of landfills, significantly reducing the potential for methane emissions from decomposing waste.

How does Closed Loop Recycling help companies save money?

Closed Loop Recycling’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond environmental

benefits—it also translates into significant cost savings for our clients. By providing innovative

services that increase the longevity of products, we help businesses not only reduce their waste

and environmental footprint but also optimize their spending. This is particularly evident in our

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) laundering programs, which have proven to be a

game-changer for many industries.

Our PPE laundering service is designed to extend the useful life of protective gear, reducing the need for constant repurchasing of new items. Typically, PPE items are designed for single use or have a relatively short lifespan, leading companies to frequently replace them at a significant cost. However, through our specialized laundering and maintenance processes, we are able to clean and restore PPE to a condition that makes it safe and effective for reuse.

As a result, clients can use the same equipment for much longer than they would under traditional practices, significantly reducing their overall PPE expenditure. On average, our clients experience an impressive 80% reduction in PPE costs due to the extended

lifespan of their gear.

Instead of purchasing new PPE every year, companies can rely on our service to maintain and prolong the life of their existing inventory. This reduction in purchasing costs allows businesses to allocate their resources more efficiently, enhancing their bottom line while still ensuring the safety and compliance of their workforce.

Why is PPE Laundering more cost-effective?

The savings from our PPE laundering service are often substantial enough to justify the initial investment, making it an attractive, long-term solution for businesses across various industries. The long-term financial benefits of using our services go hand in hand with the environmental advantages. By integrating sustainability into their operations, our clients not only help preserve natural resources and reduce waste but also gain a competitive edge by lowering their operating costs.

In an era where companies are increasingly being held accountable for their environmental

footprint and financial efficiency, partnering with Closed Loop Recycling provides an opportunity

to address both.

Closed-Loop Recycling offers a compelling solution to some of the most pressing

environmental and economic challenges of our time. By focusing on reducing waste, reusing

materials, and recycling in innovative ways, our company has successfully addressed the

growing issue of textile waste, reduced the demand for natural resources, and minimized the

environmental impact of landfills.

Through our advanced systems, such as water recycling and the reuse of PPE, we not only contribute to the conservation of vital resources but also help businesses save money by extending the life of their products.

This dual focus on sustainability and cost-efficiency places Closed Loop Recycling at the forefront of the movement towards a circular economy, where waste is minimized, and resources are continually repurposed. As we continue to scale our operations and expand our impact, we are proud to lead the way toward a more sustainable, cost-effective, and responsible future for both the environment and businesses alike.

Embracing ‘closed-loop recycling’ systems is not only a smart business decision but a necessary step in preserving our planet for future generations.