The textile industry is facing two challenges: on the one hand, production must become more sustainable and environment friendly and, on the other, consumers are expecting more and more smart functions from clothing.

In addition, the production of functional textiles often involves the use of chemicals that are harmful to the environment and health and make subsequent recycling more difficult, DITF said in a press release.

Intelligent innovations must therefore ensure that harmful chemicals are replaced, water is saved and more durable, recyclable bio-based materials are used, thereby reducing the usually considerable carbon footprint of textile products. Digitalised processes are intended to ensure greater efficiency and a closed cycle.

For example, the BioFibreLoop project uses laser technology to imitate natural structures in order to produce garments with water and oil-repellent, self-cleaning and antibacterial properties. At the end result of the research work will be affordable, resource and environment friendly, yet high-performance and durable fibres and textiles made from renewable sources such as lignin, cellulose and polylactic acid will be available. All processes are aimed at a circular economy with comprehensive recycling and virtually waste-free functionalisation based on nature's example. In this way, greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced by 20 per cent by 2035.

The technology for the functionalisation and recycling of bio-based materials is being developed in three industrial demonstration projects in Austria, the Czech Republic and Germany. At the end of the project, a patented circular, sustainable and reliable process for the production of recyclable functional textiles will be established.

The BioFibreLoop project has duration of 42 months and a total budget of almost €7 million ($7.5 million), with 1.5 million going to the coordinator DITF. The consortium consists of 13 partners from nine countries who contribute expertise and resources from science and industry.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)