It’s time to utilize Wasted Textile Materials.
Taking advantage of existing textiles is a significant opportunity for businesses to create new business models, generate lasting value, and contribute to a more sustainable environment. The world continues to be filled with newly produced textiles. Recent figures reveal that in Sweden, we purchase 15.2 kilograms of new textiles per person annually, and this trend shows no signs of abating.
– On average, each garment is used only seven times before being discarded, contributing to the European average of 11 to 15 kilograms of textile waste per person each year. This situation presents substantial potential for societal improvement and the development of innovative businesses, says Elin Segerlind, communication manager at Wargön Innovation.
To tackle this challenge, there is an opportunity to establish circular textile value chains. Over time, parts of Europe have successfully collected and recycled other materials like metals, cardboard, plastic, and glass. To fully enable circular flows, the collection of textiles must become as inherent as the collection of other materials and the recycling technologies yield drop in productsat quality and cost parity with existing raw materials.
– At Rewin, our objective is to contribute as a vital component within the broader framework of circular textile recycling. We know that regardless of the extent to which we repurpose textiles, whether through the sale of second-hand items, redesigning, or repairing – the primary waste volumes require recycling solutions. Here, our innovative technology takes center stage, geared towards enabling extensive, profitable recycling of post-consumer polyester textiles into polyester which meet existing fiber and textile industry specifications, says Niklas Jakobsson, CEO and co-founder of Rewin.
The Search for circular textiles has begun
Access to recycled textiles is also a growing demand in the industry. Fashion companies, the automotive sector, and the furniture industry are just a few stakeholders searching for sustainable and circular business oppertunities. Rewin are already noticing a tremendous demand even before their pilot plant is operational, emphasizing the industry's eagerness to meet demand for recycled material.
Polyester retains a dominant and growing position in textile production, making up over 60% of all newly manufactured fibers. Reducing demand for new polyester production would have a substantial positive impact. As most textile products comprise a mix of various components rather than pure materials it is crucial to establish recycling infrastructure capable of handling mixed materials including challenges posed by elements such as moldy garments, as well as everyday elements like zippers, buttons, or labels.
Given that EU regulations are reshaping the textile industry, new legal requirements for separate textile collection by 2025 and subsequent producer responsibility will significantly improve the management of pre-existing textiles. Currently, a large portion of discarded textiles is incinerated or exported overseas, contributing to the dire consequences for people living in societies where textile dumping in landfills is prevalent.
– Rewin aims to be a part of the circular solution and we recognize the abundance of textiles, especially polyester in various grades of purity, which can only find purpose through recycling, states Niklas Jakobsson.
A New Industry is Needed
Companies need to be willing to use recycled materials, and many already are. However, a new industry needs to be built to sort out the textiles that should be recycled.
– We have our sights set on the future and are going to be an accelerator, creating a positive change for the textile industry, says Niklas Jakobsson.