New high-performance functionalised materials
R&D IN THE TEXTILE DYEING PROCESS FOR THE VALORIZATION OF INNOVATIVE AND ECO-FRIENDLY TEXTILES USING RAW MATERIALS DERIVED FROM POST-CONSUMER TEXTILE WASTE FOR CIRCULAR FASHION
CIRCULATEJ
Motivation
The textile industry in the European Union generates between 7 and 7.5 million tons of textile waste per year, which is equivalent to more than 15 kg per person. Approximately 85% of this waste comes from garments and household textiles discarded by consumers, while the remaining 15% originates from industrial offcuts and production surpluses. Only 33% of post-consumer textile waste is collected selectively, with 67% ending up in landfills or incinerated. Of the collected waste, 60% is sold in second-hand stores and 40% is recycled. Additionally, in 2020, over 1.4 million tons of textile waste were exported outside the EU.
Chemical recycling of textile waste breaks down fibers into their basic chemical components, allowing the creation of new high-quality fibers. This method can handle fiber blends and significantly reduces textile waste in landfills. Chemically recycled polyester (PET) can be transformed into sustainable and functional yarns that retain properties similar to the original materials, making them suitable for producing new high-quality textiles.
Objectives
The aim is to develop new woven structures from waste and fibers generated by the fashion industry through chemical recycling of polyester, thus promoting a sustainable and circular approach in the sector. It also aims to create new woven structures (plain weave, jacquard, sateen, meshes, knits, etc.) at an industrial scale, following the production of various samples in the experimental facilities available at AITEX, using different yarns made from polyester obtained from the chemical recycling of post-consumer garments.
Expected results
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Define the state of the art and technology, as well as the material requirements for the project.
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Optimize the spinning of chemically recycled polymer to produce fabrics applicable in fashion, decoration, home textiles, sports, and more.
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Disseminate project activities and results according to a predefined communication plan.
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Develop and evaluate prototype fabrics from post-consumer textile waste, ensuring their sustainability and quality.
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Industrially validate the developments with collaborating companies in the Valencian Community and commercialize new derived products or services.
Grant number: IMDEEA/2025/28
Programme: Grants aimed at technological centers in the Comunitat Valenciana for R&D projects in cooperation with companies.
Period of execution: January 2025 – June 2026
Status: In progress
More information: Import – 193.455,11 €
Entity: IVACE
This project has the support of the Conselleria of Innovación, Industria, Comercio y Turismo of the Generalitat Valenciana, through IVACE, and is co-financed by the FEDER (European Regional Development Fund) of the European Union, within the FEDER Operational Programme of the Comunidad Valenciana 2021-2027.
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R&D AREAS
New high-performance functionalised materials
Circular economy and sustainability
Advanced manufacturing, smart textiles and digitalisation
High value-added solutions for strategic markets
RELATED PROJECTS
NEWS
AITEX is present at the Babykid FIMI fair at Feria Valencia from January 26 to 28, presenting tests and certifications for children’s products.
AITEX has attended the Cosmetorium fair in Barcelona once again on October to present its new products for the cosmetic sector.
AITEX has hosted the LIFE POLITEX workshop entitled “Closing the textile polyester cycle: challenges and opportunities”, based on promoting sustainable solutions for the management and recycling of textile materials.