CircTex focuses on the development of recycling and production techniques in a closed process chain for polyester (PET) workwear. The textile industry in the NWE zone consumes 17 million tonnes of non-renewable raw materials annually. That is why the transition to a circular economy within the textile industry is pressing.
Industrial clothing is the ideal starting point for circularity in the textile industry. Because reuse is prohibited, this sector is completely dependent on new materials. The quality requirements are also higher and the effect of use higher than in other textile sectors. The results obtained in CircTex will therefore be equally applicable in the other textile sectors.
Objectives
The following technologies and processes for circular PET workwear will be developed:
- Mechanical and chemical recycling
- Spinning and weaving
- No-waste production
- Wear2 yarn and industrial microwave for assembly and disassembly
- Recyclable laminates, logo’s and accessories
- Collection and sorting systems
These are tested and developed in a closed process chain, in which the effects of use are also analysed. Results of CircTex are actively communicated in the NWE textiles industry to increase knowledge and the amount of SME’s and enterprises that actively work towards circularity in textiles.
To ensure long-term effect, CircTex will set up an innovation network, actively involving stakeholders in the whole NWE. Also, an international standard for circular textiles will be initiated to stimulate further development of the circular process chain for other textiles and textile products.
CircTex will stimulate growth of the NWE textiles industry, creating numerous jobs in the future. As the textiles industry is transnational, territorial cooperation in NWE is crucial for significant impact.
CircTex will provide a proof-of-concept for fully recyclable workwear within NWE by developing technologies for large-scale processing of PET workwear, which will be validated and demonstrated in a closed chain pilot.
Optimising the integration of these technologies and process steps is essential to ensure recyclability.
Furthermore, the workwear sector is the ideal starting point for industry-wide innovation, as it is used to working with (inter)national standards and public tenders that demand more and more circularity in their specifications.
Project partners
Project leader
MODINT, Trade association on fashion, interior, carpet and textile
Project partners
- Groenendijk Bedrijfskleding BV - Netherlands
- Wear2Go - Netherlands
- Texowear BV - Netherlands
- Centexbel - Belgium
- C-Tech Innovation Limited - United Kingdom
- J&A (International) Ltd - United Kingdom
- ANGLES TEXTIL S.A. - Spain
- Global Technical Fabrics, S.L - Spain
- EuraMaterials - France
Interreg North West Europe
EU FUNDING: € 2.4 m
TOTAL BUDGET: € 4 m
The NWE area
The Interreg NWE Programme involves Ireland, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and parts of France, Germany and the Netherlands. It has an area of 845 000 km² and is home to 180 million people. Considered as one of the most dynamic and prosperous areas of Europe, it also faces a number of environmental, social and economic needs and challenges.
