From the laundry pile to the circular economy
The twelve-month project focuses on commercial end-of-life textiles from the rental textile and laundry sectors. These include, for example, workwear, bed linen from hotels, and textiles from care and healthcare facilities. These materials have so far posed major challenges for the recycling industry: different material blends, heavy wear and tear, and soiling make recycling considerably more difficult.
At the same time, these textiles have a decisive advantage: they are generated regularly and in predictable quantities. Furthermore, it is known exactly what materials they consist of and how long they have been in use. It is precisely this transparency that is now set to help develop new recycling pathways. Whilst SALESIANER contributes its expertise on material types and usage cycles, Saubermacher handles the sorting, analysis and search for suitable recycling options.
Less incineration, more recycling
The aim of the project is to ensure that as many textiles as possible are not thermally recycled, but instead made reusable as raw materials. This means that old fabrics should either be processed into new textiles or reused in other products. Re-use takes priority here, but is often only possible to a limited extent with heavily used commercial textiles. That is why the project partners are specifically seeking new applications and markets for recycled materials.
This could be an important step for the circular economy. After all, the textile sector is one of the most resource-intensive industries worldwide. At the same time, the demand for sustainable recycling solutions and CO₂ savings is constantly rising.
A model for the future?
The pilot project aims to demonstrate whether closed or partially closed textile loops are feasible on a large scale. The results could also serve as a template for other companies in the future. Industry experts already see this as an important impetus for a more sustainable textile economy.
Ideas for collaboration like this are simply #brilliant.
