Circulose
Renewcell's recycled cellulose pulp made from worn-out cotton garments and production scraps. Dissolves old cotton textiles into a virgin-quality pulp that can be spun into viscose or lyocell, closing the textile recycling loop.
Material Score Breakdown
7-axis material rubric, not a garment verdict — see disclosure below.
How long the fabric lasts with regular use
Softness, feel against skin, wearability
Air flow and ventilation
Heat retention and insulation
Ability to pull sweat away from skin
Environmental impact of production and disposal
How easy it is to wash, dry, and maintain
Products with circulose
We don't have any circulose products in our catalog yet — it's a rare semi-synthetic fiber. Here are top-rated semi-synthetic alternatives:
What this score doesn't measure
This is a material rating, not a verdict on any specific garment made from circulose. The axes above are research-backed averages for the fiber itself.
- ×Construction. Yarn staple length, weave / knit structure, stitch count, finishing. Identical fiber, very different garments.
- ×Fabric weight (GSM). A 140 GSM tee and a 220 GSM tee made of the same circulose feel and last very differently.
- ×Dye + finishing chemicals. Beyond the three we flag (PFAS, formaldehyde, antimony), dozens of textile finishes aren't modelled.
Best For
Excellent sustainability (90) and biodegradable — great eco choice
Good breathability (75) and moisture wicking (65) for light activity
Good comfort (78) and care ease (65) for casual wear
Good durability (62) and comfort (78) for office wear
Good comfort (78) and breathability (75) for sleeping
Good breathability (75) and comfort (78) for undergarments
Good moisture wicking (65) and durability (62) for weather protection
Detailed Use Case Scores
Pros
- ✓ True textile-to-textile recycling — reduces virgin resource use
- ✓ Virgin-quality output — no loss in fiber performance
- ✓ Biodegradable and compostable
- ✓ Reduces landfill waste from discarded clothing
Cons
- ✗ High cost due to complex recycling process
- ✗ Limited production capacity — not widely available yet
- ✗ Weaker wet strength typical of regenerated cellulose
- ✗ Requires careful washing similar to viscose
Better alternatives
Higher-scored semi-synthetic materials. Same category — what to consider instead.
+8 vs Circulose · 82/100
BiodegradableLenzing branded lyocell made from sustainably harvested eucalyptus wood pulp using a closed-loop process. Softer and more consistent than generic lyocell.
+6 vs Circulose · 80/100
BiodegradableMade from wood pulp using a closed-loop solvent process. The most sustainable semi-synthetic fiber, with excellent drape and comfort.
+4 vs Circulose · 78/100
BiodegradableAn ultra-fine variant of modal made from beech tree pulp, with fibers significantly thinner than silk. Exceptionally soft and lightweight, it is the premium choice for high-end underwear and loungewear.
Care Guide
Special Notes
• Weak when wet — handle gently
• Treat like viscose for washing
Additional Care Tips
- • Machine wash cold on delicate cycle
- • Mild detergent only — no bleach
- • Line dry preferred — tumble dry low if needed
- • Iron on low heat
- • Handle gently when wet
Cost
$$$$$
Mid-range
Shrinkage
Minimal shrinkage — follow care instructions
Eco Rating
Strong environmental credentials