Circular economy and sustainability
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF POLYMER-PARTICLE COMPOSITES FROM RECOVERED TEXTILE WASTE
WOODYTEX 2025
Motivation
The development of polymer-particle composites from textile waste offers high potential for valorization, with promising applications in sectors such as decoration, furniture, and construction. These materials stand out due to their high recycled content (60–90%) and distinctive aesthetics, although they still face technical limitations that hinder their competitiveness compared to virgin materials.
This project aims to improve their technical properties, assess their environmental impact through life cycle analysis (LCA), and conduct a market analysis to promote new sustainable business models based on the circular economy.
Objectives
Research into the process of composition and functionalization of these materials, in terms of improved acoustic properties, durable and homogeneous surface finishes, and stain resistance, and further research to provide them with improved fire performance and mechanical properties, using residual textile and wood materials to form textile-wood hybrids, enabling their application in the furniture and related sectors.
Value and competitive advantage
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Enables the valorization of large volumes of textile waste, transforming them into high value‑added technical materials.
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Delivers sustainable composites with distinctive aesthetics and functional performance for furniture, interior design and construction sectors.
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Reduces dependence on virgin raw materials, promoting circular economy models with demonstrated technical feasibility and industrial scalability.
Obtained results
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Development of a wide range of polymer–particle composite materials based on recovered textile waste and residual fibers.
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Manufacture of 44 different materials, with recycled textile content ranging from 63% to 90% by weight.
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Production of materials with high acoustic absorption, particularly associated with low‑density compositions.
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Development of composites using binders of different resin types, enhancing mechanical performance and fire behavior.
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Successful integration of post‑industrial wood and wool fibers, resulting in hybrid textile–wood materials.
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Manufacturing of semi‑industrial scale components, validating the scalability of the processes through glue‑blender and compression‑molding technologies.
Grant number: PENDING
Programme: Plan of non-economic activities 2025
Period of execution: January 2025 – December 2025
Status: Finished
More information: PLAN OF ACTION
Entity: IVACE
Project supported by the Ministry of Innovation, Industry, Commerce and Tourism of the Generalitat Valenciana, through IVACE.
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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.