ReCyCol: Reversible dyeing technologies for a sustainable textile industry

Purpose and goal

The aim of the project was to map the current situation of the textile dyeing industry and to investigate the possibility of improving textile de-dyeing to favor recycling of textiles into high-value products. From discussions with relevant actors in the field, several challenges (coating removal, dyeing and color removal) have been identified and potential solutions suggested. Moreover, a report on the status of the textile industry with focus on dyeing has been written which served as a basis for the development of new solutions and identification of relevant market.

Results and expected effects

From discussion with stakeholders, the issue of coating removal, that was not initially considered in the project, has been raised and gave a new perspective to the project. This is a prerequisite for the development of efficient de-dyeing technologies and must be prioritized. Another important conclusion is that the pro-active approach to develop a new dyeing technology currently lies too far from the industrial interest and needs to mature while awaiting the development of efficient recycling technologies.

Approach and implementation

Through an open dialog with our partners, during workshops and industrial visits, several problematics were lifted, which revealed the current immaturity of the quite conservative textile field. Moreover, focus shifted from a de-dyeing to coating removal perspective, which implied a change in consortium and strategy. To evaluate the possibility to turn the project into a coating removal project, a pre-study was performed together with some of our partners to lay the ground for a new application.