An interview with Karla Magruder, Accelerating Circularity

Q: Can you give us a brief introduction to Accelerating Circularity and what inspired its creation?

Accelerating Circularity is an action-oriented nonprofit focused on textile-to-textile recycling at commercial scale through a collaborative, stakeholder-led approach — with a mission to build circular systems that turn used textiles into new raw materials, and a vision of a world in which textiles are no longer wasted.

Personal inspiration behind founding ACP — My inspiration was the desire to support the industry’s education on the difference between recycling and T2T circular systems. There was a group of committed people who wanted to help the industry understand the reality behind circular T2T systems and take action to move the industry forward by developing the necessary systems.

Q: What are the key challenges Accelerating Circularity is addressing in the transition to a circular textiles economy?

One of the biggest challenges is designing systems that work for the diverse needs of stakeholders across the value chain — brands, collectors, sorters, recyclers, technology providers, and policymakers. Circularity isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our role is to bring these groups together, surface common needs, and build systems that are actionable and scalable. But we also know policy is a game-changer. Without alignment and accountability, circularity will remain optional. With the right policy, we can move from possibility to practice.

Q: How would you describe the current state of textile circularity in the United States? Where are the challenges — and the opportunities?

In the U.S., textile circularity is still in its early stages. There’s no federal policy requiring circular practices, so most brands still operate based on voluntary commitments. That’s both a challenge and an opportunity. It means brands have freedom to innovate — but it also means there’s no clear roadmap or incentives. At Accelerating Circularity, we establish tested models and real-world pathways that align with what businesses actually need — commercial viability, cost effectiveness, and measurable impact.

Q: What do you think are the biggest barriers preventing brands and manufacturers from embracing circularity more fully?

There are several:

• Budget constraints — Circular systems can require upfront investment and higher costs.

• Access to infrastructure — Not every region has sortation, recycling capabilities, and manufacturing facilities.

• Implementation complexity — Circularity impacts design, sourcing, and end-of-life.

• Lack of legislation — Regulation needs to provide the initial push to get the system moving.

Barriers are real — but they’re solvable. And we’re working every day to prove that circularity is not only possible — it’s practical.

Q: How can in-person events like Textiles Recycling Expo USA act as a catalyst for real change?

In-person events like the Textiles Recycling Expo USA are critical because they bring together all the parts of the system. Circularity can’t happen in silos — it depends on collaboration across the value chain.

Events like this offer a rare opportunity to build those connections in real time, to share knowledge, to surface shared needs — and to commit to next steps. That’s where Accelerating Circularity comes in: we turn momentum into systems. When people leave the Expo energized, we offer a path forward.

Q: With the Textiles Recycling Expo USA being the first event in the US dedicated entirely to textile recycling, how do you think it fills a much-needed gap in the industry?

This event fills a huge gap. For too long, textile recycling has been discussed on the sidelines — part of broader sustainability conversations but not a focused priority. By creating a dedicated space for textile recycling, TRE puts the spotlight exactly where it belongs. It recognizes that recycling is not just a technical process — it’s a strategic solution.

Together, ACP and TRE are helping to turn awareness into action. We bring tested frameworks, real data, and working partnerships to the table. When paired with the Expo’s reach and visibility, it’s a powerful combination for driving lasting change.