Founded in London in 2019, Two Lives was established with a simple mission: to give textile waste a second life. The company works with brands, manufacturers and organisations to transform deadstock fabrics, surplus inventory and production waste into high-quality products that demonstrate the commercial and environmental value of circularity. Its clients span a diverse range of industries, including telecommunications (Deutsche Telekom), gaming (Devolver Digital), beverages (Pepsi), automotive (Audi), fashion (Lois Jeans) and music (Metallica).
The past year has been particularly exciting as the company has continued to expand its work beyond product remanufacturing into research, innovation and industry collaboration.
One of Two Lives' major focuses is its involvement in two pioneering R&D projects in Portugal: TextileWaVE and iECOBiOTEX. These initiatives bring together scientists, manufacturers, designers and waste management specialists to explore new approaches to textile waste prevention, biodegradability and circular product design. TextileWaVE is investigating how cellulose-based textile waste can be organically valorised through composting and eco-design principles, while iECOBiOTEX is developing biodegradable textile solutions supported by biotechnology-based end-of-life systems. Together, these projects aim to help create practical pathways towards a more circular textile industry.
Alongside its research activities, Two Lives continues to collaborate with organisations looking to unlock value from existing materials. Recent projects have included creating upcycled products from textile waste streams and deadstock materials, demonstrating how waste can become a resource rather than a liability. The company believes that circularity is not only an environmental necessity but also a business opportunity, particularly as brands prepare for emerging legislation and increased expectations around transparency, waste reduction and product responsibility.
Last year, Two Lives was selected for ReLondon's Catalyse Circular Growth programme, supporting innovative businesses helping to accelerate London's circular economy. The company was also honoured to receive the PSI Academy Award for Sustainable Campaign of the Year, recognising the impact of its work in transforming existing materials into new products and solutions.
As regulatory and commercial pressures continue to reshape the fashion and textile sector, Two Lives remains focused on helping brands navigate this transition through circular design, responsible sourcing, product development and practical waste-to-value strategies. The company looks forward to collaborating with fellow UKFT members and contributing to a more resilient, resource-efficient future for the industry.
Achievements
- London & Partners, the business growth and destination agency for London – Business Growth Programme (European Regional Development Fund), 2020
- University of Cambridge – Institute for Sustainability Leadership – Sustainability Innovation for Fashion Designers (European Regional Development Fund), 2020
- British Library – Innovating for Growth (European Regional Development Fund), 2021
- Department for International Trade (DIT) – Internationalisation Fund Programme (European Regional Development Fund), 2021
- University of Cambridge – Institute for Sustainability Leadership – Accelerator to Net Zero programme (European Regional Development Fund), 2022
- UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) Innovate UK Edge – Tailored Innovation Growth Support (Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS)), 2023/24
- R&D project: BACTOCELL – Prospecting cellulolytic bacteria to improve the (bio)circularity of natural and semi-synthetic textiles, supported by national funds from the Foundation for Science and Technology, I.P., and the European Regional Development Fund, 2023
- UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) Innovate UK – Global Explorers Grant for international R&D, 2024
- ReLondon (London Waste and Recycling Board) – Catalyse Circular Growth support programme, funded by UK Government, 2025
- PSI Academy Awards – Winner of Sustainable Campaign of the Year, 2025
- R&D project: TextileWaVE – Reshape Cellulosic Textile Waste Management Organic Valorisation and Ecodesign Principles, supported by national funds from the Foundation for Science and Technology, I.P., and the European Regional Development Fund, 2025
- R&D project: iECOBiOTEX – Sustainable Waste Management in the Textile Industry, supported by national funds from the Foundation for Science and Technology, I.P., and the European Regional Development Fund, 2025
Here is what Two Lives said about joining UKFT membership:
"UKFT plays a vital role in bringing together businesses across the fashion and textile value chain. We joined to connect with like-minded organisations, share knowledge, contribute to industry-wide sustainability conversations and collaborate on practical solutions that accelerate the transition towards a circular and more responsible industry. Being part of the UKFT community enables us to learn from others while sharing our own experience in transforming textile waste into value."
