In a notable development for circular fashion and textile innovation, Refiberd, a U.S.-based startup, has been awarded the top prize in the CFDA x eBay Circular Fashion Fund competition, securing a $300,000 grant from eBay Ventures. The award recognizes startups that are pushing the boundaries of circularity and sustainability in the fashion industry.
Refiberd has garnered industry attention for its cutting-edge use of hyperspectral imaging and artificial intelligence to sort and identify textile fibers. This technology addresses one of the most persistent challenges in textile recycling: the mislabeling of fabrics and the complexity of fiber blends. By accurately identifying materials, Refiberd’s system facilitates effective textile-to-textile recycling, which is essential for scaling circular economy models in the apparel sector.
Co-founders Sarika Bajaj, Annette Chang, and Maia Zhang emphasized that this grant will accelerate their R&D efforts and enable broader partnerships with recyclers and fashion brands. Their long-term goal is to eliminate the need for virgin fiber production by making high-quality recycling scalable and efficient.
The CFDA x eBay Circular Fashion Fund is part of a broader industry push toward sustainability. Launched in 2023, the initiative seeks to foster innovation that reduces waste and increases circularity across the fashion value chain. This year’s finalists included emerging players working on resale technology, rental infrastructure, and biodegradable textiles, but Refiberd stood out due to its highly technical approach and real-world impact.
eBay’s involvement in the circular fashion space aligns with its strategic goal of extending product life cycles. The marketplace platform has long been a hub for resale, and this partnership with CFDA marks its deepening commitment to environmental stewardship in fashion.
This win not only highlights the potential of technology to drive sustainable innovation but also positions Refiberd as a critical player in the future of fashion recycling infrastructure. With support from eBay and the CFDA, the startup is well poised to contribute significantly to reducing fashion’s global waste footprint.
