Functional binders for waste materials - Essential improvements using the capabilities of nonwovens
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | The Loop Factory AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 872 200 |
| Project duration | October 2024 - April 2025 |
| Status | Ongoing |
| Venture | Impact Innovation Net Zero industry - Program-specific efforts |
| Call | Impact Innovation: Increased resource efficiency and resilience, stage 1 |
Important results from the project
This project uses nonwoven technology, specifically airlay formation with thermal bonding and binder fibres, to process lower quality textile and glass fibres not typically used by producers. The main challenge is matching binder fibres with recycled fibres. Adding secondary fibres requires improved nonwoven processes and optimised binder fibre use for each application.
Expected long term effects
The infrastructure needs to be developed to fulfil the growing demands for more sustainable products. The binder fibre composition is an important factor for the material characteristics. Innovative, biodegradable, and biobased binders are aimed to be tested during the next project. It is also important to develop clear market strategies and perform impact assessments to prove the value of thermo-bonded nonwoven materials.
Approach and implementation
The project included a variety of activities and kicked off with a workshop with all project partners to align on product demands and characteristics. The project showed the importance of collaboration across the entire value chain. The industry workshops and interviews provided great insights into market demands and material requirements. Collaborating directly with a fibre supplier to improve material characteristics proved to have a significant impact during the material development stage.