SpecimRETEX

SpecimRETEX : AI-Powered Textile Sorting for a Circular Economy

Why It Matters

The U.S. textile industry faces mounting pressure to reduce waste and embrace sustainability. Millions of tons of textiles end up in landfills every year, while brands and manufacturers struggle to meet growing consumer demand for transparency and comply with emerging regulations. SpecimRETEX is Konica Minolta’s answer; a cutting-edge solution that transforms textile waste into valuable resources.

What Is SpecimRETEX?

SpecimRETEX combines Specim hyperspectral imaging technology with advanced AI algorithms to deliver real-time, high-accuracy textile material recognition. Designed for industrial-scale operations, SpecimRETEX enables recyclers, sorters, and manufacturers to automate sorting processes and unlock new revenue streams.

Key Features for North America

• High-Speed Sorting: Process up to 5 garments per second for maximum efficiency.
• Unmatched Accuracy:
  • Cotton identification: 99%
  • Polyester identification: 98%
  • Polyamide 6 vs 6.6: 99%
  • Blend analysis (e.g., polycotton): ±5% margin

• Plug-and-Play Integration: Retrofit existing conveyor-based systems without major redesign.
• Advanced Analytics: Real-time data management for quality control and process optimization.
• Compliance Ready: Supports sustainability goals and prepares for EPR-like regulations anticipated in North America.

Benefits for U.S. Businesses

• Sorters & Recyclers:
  • Automate sorting for higher throughput and accuracy.
  • Increase profitability by selling sorted materials to recyclers.
• Manufacturers & Brands:
  • Enable reverse logistics and fiber-to-fiber recycling.
  • Strengthen sustainability branding and meet ESG commitments.
• Retailers & Consortia:
  • Build partnerships for closed-loop recycling initiatives.

Why Choose Konica Minolta?

• Proven expertise in precision imaging and sensing.
• Global leader in color and appearance solutions.
• Backed by Specim hyperspectral technology and AI innovation.
• Modular, scalable solutions for labs, R&D, and industrial-scale operations.

Four Configurations Available

• Specim RETEX Core is designed for OEMs, machine builders, and system integrators who already work with the Specim FX17 or Specim LabScanner. It provides the core material recognition engine and AI classification capabilities that allow partners to embed textile identification into their own systems. RETEX Core supports high-accuracy modeling and flexible integration, giving engineers the tools they need to build custom solutions without committing to a full turnkey system.
• Specim RETEX LAB is ideal for R&D teams and quality control laboratories that need reliable material identification on a smaller scale. It supports controlled testing, spectral analysis, and recipe development while using the same AI based identification engine found in larger RETEX configurations. RETEX LAB allows teams to validate blends, detect elastane, and characterize incoming material before moving to production sorting or industrial scale operations.
• Specim RETEX Modules serve OEMs, system integrators, and machine builders who want to design their own automated textile sorting equipment. These modules provide configurable components powered by the RETEX AI engine, making it easier to develop purpose-built machines with high-accuracy material recognition. Partners gain access to a flexible architecture that supports unique layouts, automation choices, and downstream equipment needs while maintaining consistent identification performance.
• Specim RETEX System is our full industrial solution for brand owners, sorters, recyclers, and consortium groups building end-to-end textile sorting operations. It delivers complete hardware and software integration, real time spectral identification, and high throughput performance suitable for production environments. RETEX System supports automated routing, data capture, and material quality verification, allowing organizations to scale sorting capacity with confidence while preparing for expanding circular economy requirements.

Next Steps

Join the movement toward a circular textile economy. Contact Konica Minolta to schedule a demo or learn how SpecimRETEX can transform your operations.