CircTex provided a proof-of-concept for fully recyclable workwear within the NWE region by developing technologies for large-scale processing of PET workwear, which was validated and demonstrated in a closed chain pilot.
2 different fabrics were used to produce PET workwear:
- A fabric of 100 % polyester form PET bottles dyed in high-vis orange.
- A fabric from 20% production waste and 80% PET bottles
The material and yarns were produced by means of a thermomechanical recycling process.
After use the garments were disassembled, the polyester material, that should be as pure as possible were chemically recycled via a depolymerization process.
Research was done on how to improve the thermomechanical process and on the feasibility of a chemical process to create the same garment in a High-visibility version with the ability to protect against rain.
This report resumes the lessons learned on the recycling process of polyester and on closing the loop.