In days when many are trying to find solutions to reduce the fashion industry’s footprint and lower its emissions, many virtuous examples are emerging.
The shift toward decentralized, scalable recycling solutions is slowly proceeding, like, for instance, a new development meant to recycle plastics as recently achieved by a French startup—The Polyfloss Factory from La Courneve—that has been testing and working on this project for years.
By the end of June 2025, they will launch the Mini Polyfloss Machine, a compact, low-tech system that transforms thermoplastic waste into continuous fiber using centrifugal and thermal forces. The result is a cotton-candy-like material that can be used in textile prototyping, insulation, and creative fabrication.
“After 13 years of R&D in plastic recycling, we designed this tool specifically for small-scale contexts: fab labs, design studios, schools, and humanitarian operations, anywhere there’s a need for accessible, localized solutions,” explained Audrey Gaulard, co-founder, The Polyfloss Factory.
The new mini Polyfloss machine is a very compact, user-friendly device designed to make recycling hands-on, educational, and accessible to everyone.
Mini Polyfloss Machine
Inspired by candy-floss machines, the Polyfloss machine spins plastic waste into soft fibers that can be shaped into new objects, from molded bricks to textiles.
This mini version brings the power of circularity accessible to many—from workshops to textile studios, classrooms, and DIY communities—empowering everyone to take plastic recycling into their own hands, creatively and locally.
“We can’t rely solely on current waste management systems when it comes to plastic waste. It’s just not enough,” Gaulard added.
“We need local and creative circular economies, handled by communities and adapted to their contexts. Our machine empowers anyone to take part in the fight against climate change,” she continued.
To help bring the mini machine to the world, the company will launch a Kickstarter campaign, where supporters can be the first to access the machine and join a growing community of changemakers committed to rethinking plastic.
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