Circular textile framework - classification of recycled materials and criteria for recyclability

The textile sector is in an intensive development phase, with clear guidelines now set via the EU's textile strategy, which
identifies circularity and increased recycling as key areas. Several recycling technologies have come a long way, but
an obstacle to scaling up is the lack of raw material in large volumes.

There is a great need for a framework for classification of textiles for
material recovery, as well as criteria for circularity and recyclability, both of which will be
addressed in this project.

Sweden has led the way in recycling technologies, and has all the prerequisites to also take
the lead in terms of conditions for large-scale implementation. We in Europe have common needs for solutions, and the work planned in this project therefore creates benefits far beyond Sweden's, and also the EU's, borders.

Objectives of the project

The project has two objectives. Firstly, the project aims to work on the conditions for large-scale utilization of recycled raw materials by providing a framework for the classification of textiles for recycling and creating an assessment of the recyclability/circulability of materials and products.

Therefore, this project establishes a framework where textiles for recycling are classified based on parameters developed with technology developers and users. The framework enables efficient use of resources and gives our Swedish companies concrete opportunities to work with recycled, and recyclable materials with a stable quality.

Read the final report of the project here