Framework for Circular Textiles - Classification of recycled textiles and criteria for circularity
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | RISE Research Institutes of Sweden AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 3 295 000 |
| Project duration | August 2022 - October 2024 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Circular and biobased economy |
| Call | Increased resource efficiency for a sustainable industry 2022. |
Important results from the project
The aim was to develop a framework for the large-scale use of recycled raw materials in the textile industry, including classification and assessment of recyclability. To create an easy-to-use tool for industry, this is now ready for launch on ri.se. In dialogues with the textile industry, the need for standards has been raised and recommendations for policy and standard development have been drawn up. The result is used in 2 different ongoing EU projects on circular solutions for textile waste.
Expected long term effects
The share of secondary raw materials in the world economy has decreased from 9.1% to 7.2% in the last five years, only 1% of textiles are recycled. In future textile systems, recycled materials will be used by various industries, but today there is no system for quality assurance and specification of recycled materials. The project´s purpose is to create a framework and classification system that enables resource-efficient handling and increases trust, demand and purchase of recycled textiles.
Approach and implementation
The project mapped classifications in other industries, conducted interviews and workshops with project and external partners as well as validation through surveys. Direction and set boundaries for the WPs worked according to plan. Despite some challenges, the connection between goals, tools and AI, the project developed in the right direction. Uncertainty about DPP affected the basis for the classification tool. 1 partner went bankrupt but contributed with valuable information. Good teamwork.