Nonprofits Launch Textile Circularity Working Group to Advance Practical, Scalable Solutions Across the U.S.

Building on the foundation of carpet stewardship clean-up laws sponsored by NSAC and Textile law by the California Product Stewardship Council which was founded by NSAC Director/CEO Heidi Sanborn, this group celebrates the innovators driving circular systems for textiles in the future

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Dec. 3, 2025) — Two national nonprofits — the National Stewardship Action Council (NSAC) and the Stewardship Action Foundation (SAF) have launched the National Textile Circularity Working Group, a cross-sector initiative aligning retailers, resellers, nonprofits, manufacturers, and government agencies to accelerate circular economy solutions across the U.S. for clothing, carpet, mattresses, furniture, and more.  

Building on the foundation of NSAC’s leadership in carpet stewardship laws in California requiring the U.S. first eco-modulated fee and carpet to carpet recycled content mandate for carpet, new momentum emerging in Washington, Minnesota and Rhode Island, this working group will focus on advancing fair, practical, and scalable approaches that keep textiles in use and out of landfills. 

“Circularity isn’t just about materials—it’s about systems,” said Heidi Sanborn, Executive Director/CEO of NSAC and SAF. “This working group brings together the doers, innovators, and decision-makers who can advance smart policy and turn policy into practice. When we collaborate across sectors and across states, we move from ideas to implementation and from waste to value.” 

The new effort builds on NSAC and SAF’s proven national working group model, which currently convenes leaders across five active groups focused on packaging EPR implementation, household hazardous waste, recycling refunds (deposit-return systems), and illegal printer cartridges. Together, these groups connect a network of more than 2,700 leaders and changemakers representing 120+ sustainable communities, associations, companies, and government agencies nationwide. 

Already, the Textile Circularity Working Group has drawn participation from Target, the American Apparel & Footwear Association, Reverse Logistics Group, Goodwill of Southern California, Goatote, and the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), which join NSAC and SAF’s growing coalition advancing circular solutions that work for people, economies, and the planet. 

“This national working group is uniquely positioned to convene, advance, and scale the collaboration needed to achieve circularity in this resource stream,” said Amy Lestition Burke, CEO of the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA). “We’re honored to advance these solutions together, which began with a dedicated roundtable of industry and public-sector leaders at SWANA’s RCon 2025 conference in November.” 

As part of this launch, NSAC will present its 2025 National Leadership Award to Bentley Mills, a California-based carpet manufacturer recognized for pioneering circular design, take-back systems, and recycled material innovation. 

Bentley Mills has demonstrated how design and policy can work hand in hand, proving that circularity is not only achievable but economically viable. Its commitment to using carpet to carpet recycled content, and reinvesting in U.S. manufacturing exemplifies the kind of forward-thinking leadership the new working group seeks to expand nationwide. “Bentley Mills is showing the rest of the industry what’s possible,” said Sanborn. “Their work embodies the purpose of this new working group, turning shared responsibility into shared success.” 

The first convening of the working group is scheduled for December 15, 2025, and will feature opening remarks from Washington State Rep. Kristine Reeves. In advance NSAC and SAF will host a LinkedIn Live event on December 4 featuring Resource Recycling, SWANA, Planet Aid, Goodwill, SCS Engineers, and the Washington State Department of Ecology for a national dialogue on scaling circular textile systems. 

“We’re inviting leaders and changemakers from across the value chain to join us at the table – from clothing to carpet to mattresses, furniture, and more,” said Heath Nettles, Deputy Director of NSAC and SAF. “Whether you represent industry, local government, or the nonprofit sector, this is a chance to shape practical solutions and fair policies that move the needle on textile circularity nationwide.” 

The launch was made possible through the leadership of both NSAC and SAF boards and foundational contributions from Sonya Betker of SCS Engineers, Mya Keyzers of the Washington State Department of Ecology, and Rubi (Rajbanshi) Soares of Terrascope Consulting who helped co-found this national effort. 

To learn more and register for the upcoming LinkedIn Live event, visit www.nsaction.us.

About the National Stewardship Action Council  

The National Stewardship Action Council (NSAC) is a 501(c)(4) national nonprofit organization driving policy solutions for a circular economy.  

For over a decade, NSAC has advanced landmark policies that unlock the economic and environmental value of waste as a resource. Working alongside nearly 50 member organizations and a nationwide network of 2,700+ individuals, NSAC convenes national working groups covering packaging, household hazardous waste, recycling refunds, textiles, boating flares and marine film, and illegal single-use print cartridges. These groups unite governments, businesses, nonprofits, and communities to design and implement effective stewardship systems across the United States.  

About the Stewardship Action Foundation  

Founded in 2021, the Stewardship Action Foundation (SAF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing a responsible circular economy through education, outreach, and partnerships. While the National Stewardship Action Council (NSAC) leads advocacy and lobbying, SAF complements this work by focusing on public education, collaboration, and research to address environmental challenges and promote systemic change.  

With a nationwide network of partners including government agencies, nonprofits, and the private sector, SAF raises awareness of critical environmental issues and delivers solutions that keep materials in use, reduce pollution, and promote equity. Its programs highlight the importance of circular systems and community-centered solutions. Through webinars, research, and collaborative projects, SAF equips communities to address challenges such as plastic waste, toxic substances, and source reduction.