Circular economy and sustainability / High value-added solutions area
DEVELOPMENT AND OPTIMISATION OF A NEW SUSTAINABLE AND CIRCULAR PRODUCTION MODEL IN THE TEXTILE SECTOR
CIRCULAR-TEXTIL
Motivation
On the one hand, the initiative will work on the optimisation and transfer of two innovative textile spinning and dyeing technologies. The aim is to optimise production costs and reduce energy bills and the use of chemical pollutants in textile finishing processes.
The manufacturing process used in the final articles which are suitable for new sustainable manufacturing processes will be analysed and the recovery of the articles after their useful life will be simulated. Aspects such as traceability and control in the recycling process will also be taken into consideration to enable a validation of the circular economy model using life cycle analysis and carbon footprint calculation tools.
Objectives
The project consists of the analysis, implementation and validation of new technical and technological solutions to increase the efficiency of the textile production chain. This in turn will provide sustainable and circular production alternatives by reducing the consumption of non-renewable natural resources, the environmental footprint associated with the production process and the reuse of materials at the end of their life cycle. Specific the objectives will be:
- To update and maintain surveillance of new developments in technical and technological solutions related to improving the efficiency of textile processes and resources, as well as their recyclability processes.
- A technical and economic feasibility pilot study in various fields
- An analysis of the industrial scalability of these solutions to assess the impact or benefit
- A demonstration of the solutions on an industrial scale
Results obtained
Regarding dyeing and finishing processes, historically, a range of substances with very high contaminating potential have been used, generating wastewater with a significant impact on the environment and on the safety and health of individuals. Therefore, it is evident that this is a critical point for the sector in reducing the aforementioned carbon footprint.
As a solution to this issue, a new technological solution was designed and patented (No. P202130437) that is capable of moving, dyeing, and finishing fabric in rope form using a nebulization process for Jet-type dyeing machinery, without the presence of a traditional dye bath.
In the case of spinning, efforts have focused on optimizing conventional ring spinning. Ring spinning technology is one of the options for processing slivers and transforming them into yarn. Using a system of belts, it applies friction to the sliver while stretching it, allowing control over the final yarn count. Once the twist is applied, the yarn passes through a cursor located at the bottom, acting as a tensioner and applying the necessary winding tension. Depending on the tools used, the machine can work with either short or long fibers.
AITEX, in collaboration with the company that owns the multiball patent, has tested and validated this multiball technology for obtaining technical yarns from complex fibers using the twisting technology. The application of double-twist ring spinning technology has resulted in several advantages compared to conventional twisting: increased production and efficiency.
The third area addressed by the project is the recycling of post-consumer waste. The solution is based on a valorization strategy that seeks to provide a tangible second life to these wastes while opening the door to business opportunities in sectors such as interior design, decoration, and contract fields, among others.
The proposed solution is based on a mechanical valorization pathway that incorporates processes known as mechanical shredding, as well as new composite forming technologies, such as the innovative glue-blender technology and compression molding. The glue-blender technology allows for the mixing of textile waste with a thermosetting resin. Subsequently, these impregnated textile fibers are introduced into a compression molding machine, where temperature and pressure induce curing of the matrix element, its consolidation, and thus the formation of the polymer-particle composite.
As a fourth line of work, traceability in the supply chain is addressed. This task is presented as a fundamental element to ensure transparency, quality, efficiency, and responsibility in the flow of products from their origin to their final destination. Some key reasons for the importance of traceability in the supply chain include product quality and safety, inventory and stock management, operational efficiency, regulatory and legal compliance, accountability and sustainability, improved relationships with suppliers, and cost optimization.
Grant number: CONV23/DGINN/13
Period of execution: January 2023 – December 2023
Status: Finished
Entity: Conselleria
The Project «DEVELOPMENT AND OPTIMIZATION OF A NEW MODEL OF SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION AND CIRCULAR IN THE TEXTILE SECTOR”, is funded by the Ministry of Innovation, Universities, Science and Digital Society through the nominative line “Grants to the IITT for innovation projects in collaboration with companies within the framework of Smart Specialization”.
CONTACT US
Do you want to contact us? Click on the button and write to us.
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
NEWS
SAVE THE DATE! AITEX will host the 19th Textile ETP Annual Conference next year, from 13 to 14 May 2024 in AITEX headquarters, in Alcoy Alicante.
AITEX has attended the Cosmetorium fair in Barcelona once again on October to present its new products for the cosmetic sector.
AITEX analyses the problem of PFAS substances in various industrial sectors and presents various innovations to mitigate their presence in products and processes.