The useful question is what changes for users, developers or buyers, and whether the announcement stays industry context or becomes something people can actually use.

eBay announced Trosort as the winner of the 2026 Circular Fashion Fund, recognizing its AI-driven textile sorting technology as a solution to one of fashion’s infrastructure challenges. Selected from eight finalists across the EU, UK, US, and Australia, Trosort’s system helps digitize and modernize secondhand clothing operations by improving sorting efficiency. The company will receive a $300,000 investment from eBay Ventures as part of the award. The fund supports businesses developing circular fashion solutions, including resale, repair, recycling, and authentication technologies.

Trosort’s technology processes up to 3 tons of garments per shift using semi-automated hardware and software, with plans to scale to 90 tons daily and achieve full automation within three years. Its modular system sorts garments for reuse, repair, upcycling, or recycling while adhering to the Waste Hierarchy. The company has deployed four systems in sorting centers across Belgium, Australia, the UK, and France, backed by a €1.15 million Seed round. Trosort’s approach aims to replace manual, subjective sorting with transparent, data-driven processes.

The Circular Fashion Fund, now in its fourth year, has supported over 30 businesses globally since 2022, with total investments expected to reach $1.9 million by the end of 2026. Winners are chosen by a panel of industry leaders in fashion, sustainability, and circular innovation. Finalists receive grants, mentoring, and access to eBay’s network of experts and investors. The 2026 finalists included Circular Sourcing, Ragpiq, Silhouet, Refabric, TRUSS, eComID, It Goes Forward, and Trosort.

eBay Inc., a global commerce leader, connects buyers and sellers in over 190 markets, enabling $75 billion in gross merchandise volume in 2024. The company’s Circular Fashion Fund aligns with its broader mission to foster economic opportunity through sustainable and innovative retail solutions. Trosort’s recognition underscores eBay’s commitment to advancing circular fashion infrastructure and supporting scalable, commercially viable solutions.