BOENNIGHEIM, Germany (August 5, 2024) – Transforming old textiles into new, high-quality materials on a large scale – that is the subject of a new innovation project by eeden, the Textile Logistics Center (CTL) at the Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences and the Fraunhofer IML, and Hohenstein.
The project aims to promote a circular textile economy through technological and logistical optimizations. eeden's innovative fiber-to-fiber recycling process will be further developed to efficiently process textile waste from laundries. Additionally, logistics will be restructured, from collection to recycling, to ensure a resource-conserving and efficient supply of this material stream. With a total investment of over €625,000, the project is co-financed by the Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Transport of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and the European Union as part of the Green Economy in NRW innovation competition.
“We are excited to enable circular laundry textiles with our exceptional partners. By optimizing our processes, we aim to significantly improve the recycling of end-of-life textiles and make the most of this valuable resource,” explains Ida Marie Brieger, Business Development at eeden.
Hohenstein and eeden jointly conduct analytical tests on used textiles to accurately determine the properties of the textile waste after various cleaning cycles. Dr. Timo Hammer, Managing Director at Hohenstein, says, “Working with eeden and the Center Textile Logistics allows us to bring the latest technologies and scientific discoveries into real-world applications. We're excited to be part of this groundbreaking project.”
Subsequently, the CTL, supported by eeden, will develop a concept for the efficient procurement of raw materials and their integration into a sustainable business structure. Prof. Dr. Markus Muschkiet, Head of CTL, emphasizes that “this project is a fantastic opportunity to rethink logistics and make our supply chains not just more efficient, but also more sustainable. We're excited to leverage our expertise to build this future-proof supply chain.”
Finally, the new process will be validated by eeden on a technical scale. By 2026, the close collaboration between eeden, the Center Textile Logistics (CTL) and Hohenstein aims to promote textile circularity and make a significant contribution to reducing textile waste.
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About eeden
eeden develops a scalable chemical textile recycling technology, addressing one of the biggest challenges in textile recycling: the efficient recovery of cellulose and polyester from cotton-polyester blends. Using eeden's patented chemical processes, materials are recovered that seamlessly replace virgin materials in the production of high-quality clothing. By using eeden materials, eeden's customers reduce their dependence on new raw materials, minimize textile waste, and comply with global environmental regulations.
About Center Textile Logistics (CTL)
The Center Textile Logistics (CTL) at Fraunhofer IML and Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences is a renowned competence center specializing in the optimization of logistics processes in the textile industry. In collaboration with industry partners, CTL develops innovative logistics solutions that enhance efficiency and sustainability throughout the supply chain. Through practice-oriented research, CTL significantly contributes to the advancement of textile logistics and the establishment of circular practices. (www.hs-niederrhein.de/center-textil-logistik).
About Hohenstein
Hohenstein has more than 75 years of experience in testing, certification and applied research. With roots in the textile sector, the Hohenstein testing spectrum now includes both softlines and hardlines. Around the globe, more than 1,000 employees work to improve the human-product-environment interaction with offerings such as testing for harmful substances, performance and fit. They develop science-based methods and standards that consider the user in real life, not just in the lab. Through standard or customized testing, and interpretation of the results, Hohenstein experts solve problems, verify claims and help partners bring better, safer products to market – more sustainably. Hohenstein is a founding member and leading provider of OEKO-TEX® services, and is certified by the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission as a third-party, independent laboratory for CPSIA compliance verification. Hohenstein.US
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