Visionary textile design: LEONHARD KURZ presents rPET jerseys from its own recycling rocess at K 2025

Fürth/Germany, September 29, 2025: From recycled granulate to sophisticated sports textiles: At K 2025, LEONHARD KURZ will present prototypes for jerseys made entirely from recycled PET (rPET) for the first time, combining the aesthetic properties of high-quality textiles with the performance of modern sportswear. The material was obtained from the company's own RECOSYS^® 2.0 take-back and recycling system, which processes surplus carrier materials from the graphics industry into single-type rPET. The project shows how materials from the plastics industry's circular economy can be reused in the textile industry.

From polymer granulate to high-quality textile

The light blue jersey was created in cooperation with expert partners as part of an industrial process chain that covers the entire journey from polymer granulate to high-quality surface finishing. First, the rPET from KURZ was processed into a stable and durable yarn by specialist Technofibres. The next step was the production of the jerseys by Hero Textil, an expert in specialized textiles. After sublimation, the KURZ logo was finally applied in the form of a silver transfer finish for textiles using hot stamping. The sublimated pattern shapes the look, while the metallized image element underscores the diverse possibilities for finishing rPET. The prototypes developed as part of the project thus combine modern textile design, resource-saving processes, and efficient industrial finishing technologies.

RECOSYS^® 2.0: Circular economy in practice

With RECOSYS^®, KURZ was the first company in the industry to introduce a take-back and recycling system for transfer materials from the graphic arts industry. The further development RECOSYS^® 2.0 now makes it possible for the first time to convert surplus carriers into pure rPET. This material can be used in a variety of ways – for example, for outer packaging of everyday products or, as shown at the trade fair, for visionary textile design.

Customers who participate in RECOSYS^® 2.0 also receive a recycling certificate from an independent environmental verification organization, ensuring transparency and traceability along the supply chain.

Limited special series with perspective

KURZ will present the uniquely designed jerseys for the first time at K 2025. In addition to the trade fair presentation, test quantities of the rPET granulate can already be ordered. KURZ is currently working on scalable solutions to make the recycling process usable for higher production volumes in the medium term, thus enabling large-volume series production.

With the rPET jersey, KURZ demonstrates how the potential of RECOSYS^® 2.0 can be transferred beyond classic plastic applications to other industries. The project is therefore an example of the consistent implementation of the vision of putting the circular economy into practice in all areas of industrial manufacturing – from high-quality packaging to functional textiles.

At a glance

K 2025 from October 8 to 15, 2025, in Düsseldorf
LEONHARD KURZ Stiftung & Co. KG: Hall 5, Booth A19
Focus of the trade fair presentation: Exterior Design, Interior Design, Visionary Design, Sustainability