About
Altera Circular Systems is a fiscally sponsored program under Embolden WI (501(c)(3)) advancing research, technology, and innovation in textile recycling and material reuse.
Altera Circular Systems
We operate from a simple premise: textile waste represents a large, underutilized material stream. Our long-term R&D aim is to explore whether post-consumer textiles can be transformed into lumber-like building material—with careful attention to requirements like structural integrity, flexibility, durability, and health/safety.
Values
Academic research - grounded in study, testing, and evidence-based learning.
Practical innovation - solutions that can be tested, measured, and replicated.
Cross-disciplinary collaboration - universities, trades, industry, and community working together.
Education + workforce pathways - creating opportunities to learn, build skills, and contribute.
Why research first
This mission can’t be built on good intentions alone. It requires rigorous research, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and real-world adoption pathways.
That’s why Altera Circular Systems prioritizes partnerships with universities, trade colleges, labs, and industry professionals who can help test, validate, and refine the pathway.
5-year vision
Within five years, our goal is a viable prototype demonstrating the textile-to-lumber pathway, along with a responsible plan for scaling through research, partnerships, and funding.
The Philos
I’m Eclypse Armstrong, founder of Altera Circular Systems. I started this work because I believe the next era of sustainability will be built through serious research and practical systems—not just awareness. This program is being birthed in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, where I’m building partnerships that connect academic research with real community needs and long-term resilience.
Use what we have. Build what we need.
This is the foundation year.
If you are a researcher, institution, manufacturer, funder, or partner who sees alignment, we welcome collaboration.
