TexChain3
We are facing a paradigm shift. Evolving from a linear to a circular economy means moving from talking about raw materials and waste to talking only about raw materials.
TexChain3 aims to harness the value of textile waste streams from industry, where most of it currently goes to incineration. This can range from reprocessing textile waste into new products to upcycling worn-out or unused workwear.
According to a rough estimate, there are 6 000-14 000 tons of residual textile waste from industry per year in Sweden. Finding new uses for this waste means new business opportunities and the development of more resource-smart products.
The project involves four industries that use textiles as raw materials or can reuse textiles in new products. The industries are furniture and design, construction and interiors, automotive and clothing/workwear.
Objectives of the project
The aim of TexChain3 is to create new cross-sectoral value chains that make it possible to use and process textile residual streams industrially. By developing business models, technologies, processes and methods that take advantage of the added value, conditions are created for new circular and resource-efficient products and services.
By the end of the project, TexChain3 should have:
- Conducted at least eight pilot projects, at least five of which can demonstrate a business and circular potential and which can be implemented after the end of the project.
- Established a platform for textile residual streams.
- Conducted at least two knowledge-raising activities aimed at a broad audience outside the project group.
Implementation
The pilot projects are a key part of TexChain3, establishing cooperation models in the value chain, identifying technical needs and business potential, developing prototypes and analyzing environmental benefits. Business needs assessments will be conducted to identify circular strategies and business plans. Knowledge enhancement activities, workshops and networking are also important parts of the project.
32 parties are participating, which shows the great interest and need. The broad support creates good conditions for establishing new forms of collaboration, working models and innovations needed for the transition to a circular economy.
*TexChain 3 is a continuation of the feasibility studies TexChain 1 - circular value chains in the textile industry and Circular Laundries.
The facts
Responsible at Wargön Innovation: Susanne Eriksson
Project coordinator: Wargön Innovation and The Loop Factory
Project participants: Artex, Blåkläder, Borgstena, Contekton, Fogia, FORM2, Glimakra of Sweden, Kasthall, Rikstvätt Sverige, Ludvig Svensson, Martinson, Materia, National Högsäter, Novoplast, Region Skåne, Samhall, Sculptur, Stormie Poodle, Taiga, TEKO Logistik, Texla, Tranemo Textil, Volvo Cars, Teko, Västkuststiftelsen, Sveriges Tvätteriförbund, Bil Sweden, Trä- och möbelföretagen, RISE IVF, University of Borås, Region Västra Götaland.
Project duration: Nov 2020 - June 2023
Budget: 11 000 000 SEK
Funder: Vinnova together with project participants.
Read more about the project:
- TexChain3: From waste to resource: how to make use of industrial textile waste
- Taiga: New life for used ambulance clothes
- TexChain3: Creating a circular future
- Artex: Creating products from old train seats
- Tranemo: Work clothes are recycled and become new
- TEKO: How to give new life to discarded ambulance jackets
The methodology book:
The transition to a circular economy requires completely new ways of approaching how products are made, used and disposed of to move on to a new user phase. New applications and strategies by companies and stakeholders, collaboration across industries, collaboration across the value chain, new ecosystems and end-user engagement are all prerequisites for making the transition.
The methodology book is one of the outcomes of the TexChain3 project. Here we have collected what we call best practices to take your idea or business away from the linear and towards the circular. In this book, you will find solid advice on how to proceed, step by step.
If you want support on your circularity journey - do not hesitate to contact us.
The full Methodology Book is available for download here: The Methodology Book
