Bestseller polyester recycling, SHEIN factory tools, Pinterest's Thrift Shop
Bestseller invests in polyester recycling firm matterr; Shein showcases 60 new tools; Pinterest launches thrift shop to tap into Gen Z secondhand obsession
Bestseller invests in matterr to scale polyester recycling at industrial level
Danish fashion group Bestseller has made a strategic investment in German cleantech startup matterr, supporting its plans to build a facility capable of chemically recycling 10,000 tonnes of polyester-rich waste annually by 2026. Backed by a €30 million EU grant, matterr’s technology converts worn-out textiles and packaging into virgin-quality polyester, aiming to reduce reliance on fossil-based raw materials.
Why it matters: The partnership reflects a growing push for scalable circular solutions in fashion, with Bestseller betting on matterr’s potential to turn textile waste into a viable resource, both for its own supply chain and the wider industry.
SHEIN unveils over 60 new factory tools to tackle fashion’s toughest production challenges
At its second Tools Day event, SHEIN showcased more than 60 new manufacturing tools aimed at streamlining garment production and solving long-standing industry pain points, particularly around working with complex embellished fabrics. From bead-safe presser feet to automated tape pullers, these innovations are co-developed with suppliers and tested in real factory settings, dramatically reducing manual labor and improving production quality. With nearly 6,000 tools already deployed and over 1,200 suppliers trained through its Centre for Innovation in Garment Manufacturing, SHEIN is building a robust ecosystem to modernize fashion manufacturing.
Why it matters: By equipping its supplier base with tailored, accessible technology, SHEIN is not only accelerating production but redefining how fast fashion can scale precision and complexity without sacrificing efficiency.
Areeba Shakil
Pinterest launches Thrift Shop to tap into Gen Z’s secondhand style obsession
Pinterest has introduced Thrift Shop, a new in-platform shopping experience allowing users to buy vintage and secondhand items directly through the app. Running from August 20 to September 26, the initiative features weekly drops from global thrift retailers and reflects the platform’s growing Gen Z user base, 66% of whom use Pinterest for shopping. With massive spikes in searches for secondhand fashion, decor, and vintage watches, Pinterest is positioning itself at the intersection of social commerce, sustainability, and self-expression.
Why it matters: As resale goes mainstream, Pinterest is turning thrifting into a curated digital experience, blending inspiration, community, and commerce in one scroll.
Rachel Lawler