The T-Rex project (textile recycling excellence) financed by the EU successfully completed his innovation program after three years of collaboration with thirteen organizations, including Fashion for Good and Adidas. In a press release, the consortium presents a comprehensive draft to expand textile-to-textile recycling (T2T) in Europe, with an overview per phase of the process, from making clothing to use and sorting. Demonstration products are also shown made from recycled polyester, polyamide 6 and cellulose materials.
In the European Union, almost seven million tons of textile waste are produced annually, the majority of which are still burned or deposited. Currently, only two percent of post-consumer textiles are reused in Europe for fiber-to-fiber recycling. Since the start in June 2022, the T-REX project has focused on the development of a closed circulatory system for post-consumer-textile waste, in which thirteen partners: inside the industry work together.
Important findings from the project emphasize the need for more efficient sorting with advanced technologies, better pretreatment of textile waste and the importance of cooperation between all limbs of the chain. In addition, the project indicates the high operating costs in Europe, whereby automation and sustainable energy use are decisive.
T-Rex also emphasizes that recycling alone is not sufficient; Reuse, repair and sustainable design remain essential to reduce the effects of the textile industry on the environment.
The project also gives concrete political recommendations, such as the introduction of fair economic incentives, the harmonization of norms for recyclability and the definition of realistic recycling destinations.
Recommendations for every phase of the textile recycling chain
The draft contains findings and recommendations for each phase of the textile utilization chain. These are based on various reports that the consortium has created in the past three years. A summarizing life cycle analysis (LCA) was created, as was technical guidelines for the design of recyclable clothing. In addition, a data model for textile-to-textile recycling was developed and a white book was created to increase the participation of the citizens: inside. Finally, a techno -economic assessment will also be published later this year, which examines the economic feasibility of the recycling processes. The complete design and reports are available on the T-Rex project website.
The T-REX project is financed by the Horizon Europe research and innovation program of the European Union.
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