R&D Project TEXCIRCLE

Europe faces a waste problem of over seven million tons per year; only about one percent of textiles worldwide are being repurposed into clothing again due mainly because design plays an important role in reducing environmental impact by around eighty percent.

The goal of the project was therefore to develop high-quality yarns and products using as much recycled textiles as possible in order to create circular loops where materials flow seamlessly. With our partners' help, we have developed product prototypes such as carpets, socks, curtains, pullovers and accessories with at least 50% - up to 80% - recycled fibers.

The consortium worked closely together and as well with further European partners to achieve these goal.

Through various stages ranging from designing, to trials involving collecting, sorting tearing until actual production testing took place. The project was able recycle pre- and post-consumer textile wastes weighing upt o 2.5 Tons yielding promising results. With Socks, Pullovers, Carpets & Curtains among others emerging through our research, we were able to identify gaps in the textile recycling value chain and overcome them. With this proof of concept established, we call on industry players to adopt these sustainable practices at full scale and help us create a circular system that works for everyone! Cluster partners like Brands Retailers joined forces too so that together they can build joint clusters/systems aimed at creating sustainable solutions within this industry space.

Please finde more about the project under: Texcircle | Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (hslu.ch)