A Chinese manufacturer called Yibin Grace has introduced a new testing line for a type of viscose fiber made from 50% recycled textiles. They aim to have this 50% recycled blend available in the market by the end of 2023.

This new material is created using Circulose pulp, which itself is made from 100% recycled textiles. It's considered the most recycled textile content ever used in Yibin Grace's viscose staple fiber.

The 50% Circulose blend is significant because it produces five tonnes less carbon per tonne of fiber compared to traditional fibers. It also uses 90% less water in its production process.

Yibin Grace is working with Renewcell, a textile-to-textile recycling company, and the environmental initiative CanopyStyle to reduce the environmental impact of viscose production and help China meet its climate goals. They're striving to make the fashion industry more environmentally friendly and sustainable.

In the past, Yibin Grace has partnered with other companies to create recycled cellulose filament yarn, which contains 30% recycled textile pulp and 70% FSC-certified fiber.

This development follows a trend in the textile industry, where companies like Lenzing Group are also incorporating recycled materials to meet the demand for more sustainable textile products.