TEXTILE RECYCLING AS A DRIVER OF OTHER SECTORS

TEXTILE RECYCLING AS A DRIVER OF OTHER SECTORS

Textile recycling is an urgent need in our world. With the annual production of 92 million tons of textiles, of which 73% end up in landfills or incinerators, the environmental impact of the textile industry is enormous.

However, the shortage of sorters has revealed that, despite the increased demand for recycled materials and growing awareness of sustainability, the lack of specialized sorters remains a major obstacle to textile recycling (as the IVL SWEDISH ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE study points out).

It is at this point, where automated textile sorting is positioned as a key technology for textile recycling. A technology that also has the power to enhance many other sectors beyond the textile industry itself.

THE IMPORTANCE OF TEXTILE RECYCLING AUTOMATION

Manual sorting is a tedious and laborious task that requires a lot of time and resources, making it impractical for textile recycling companies. In addition, the lack of specialized skills and high job turnover in this sector are other factors contributing to the shortage of sorters.

The lack of specialized sorters limits the recycling capacity of textiles, as it makes the sorting process less efficient, more expensive and with a greater margin of error. In addition, of course, manual sorting can also be less accurate and consistent than classification automation.

Therefore, automated textile sorting technology has become a key solution to overcome the shortage of sorters. Automating the sorting of textile waste enables accurate and fast sorting of different types of textiles, increasing the quality and value of recycled materials and improving the efficiency of the overall recycling process.

In addition, automated textile sorting technology also helps recycling companies meet quality and sustainability standards, increasing the competitiveness of their products in the market. This fact translates into an improvement in the quality of recycled materials, increasing the value of textile waste, which in turn can increase the interest of market players in investing in textile recycling infrastructure, one of the main points of improvement today.

COLLABORATION AND PUBLIC POLICIES TO PROMOTE TEXTILE RECYCLING

Collaboration between different actors and the stimulation of public policies is essential to boost textile recycling and scale it in Europe. Joint efforts are needed to address the challenges of textile recycling and create a sustainable market for recycled materials.

Collaboration between actors and public policies can also help overcome some of the challenges of textile recycling, such as lack of infrastructure and supply chain complexity. Collaboration can foster innovation and the development of more efficient technologies for recycling, such as automated textile sorting.

According to a McKinsey report, key players include textile producers, retailers, recyclers, technology providers and local governments. Each of these actors has an important role to play in the recycling process, from collection and sorting to processing and selling recycled materials.

On the other hand, Fashion for Good highlights the importance of public policies to promote collaboration and recycling of textiles. The report notes that public policies can help create a sustainable market for recycled materials and set clear recycling targets for the industry. In addition, public policies can provide funding and support for recycling projects and collaborations between actors. Thus closing the circle.

APPLICATIONS BEYOND THE TEXTILE SECTOR

Boosting the textile recycling sector is a huge asset when it comes to promoting innovation and sustainability in other sectors, which gives it a very outstanding value.

In addition to its use in the textile sector, sorted recycled textile can also be used in a wide variety of applications outside the sector itself. Recycled fibers can be used to produce insulation for buildings, furniture filler, pillows, mattresses and car upholstery. They can even be used for the manufacture of composite materials, such as fiber-reinforced plastic, which is used in the manufacture of car and aircraft parts, among others.

PRESENT AND FUTURE OF TEXTILE RECYCLING

It is clear that, currently, the textile industry generates a large amount of waste, which represents a great challenge for the environment. That is why it is increasingly important to develop technologies that allow recycling efficiently and allow working towards the circularity so desired in the sector.

In this field, PICVISA is leading the way with its ECOSORT TEXTIL, an automated classification system that allows the different types of fabrics to be separated quickly and efficiently. Thanks to its machine vision technology and advanced algorithms, ECOSORT is able to sort more than 1,500 garments per hour, which significantly reduces processing time and cost compared to traditional methods.

The project that PICVISA developed for Coleo Recycling, in La Coruña, is a clear example of how technological innovation can contribute to reducing the environmental impact of the textile industry.

It is clear the great impact that automated textile sorting can have for the textile recycling sector. This technology is positioned as a key technology for textile recycling and it is a priority that it occupies the top positions in the sustainable development agendas, since it leaves clear evidence of its transformative potential, both for its sector and for others.