ECOMETEX

Ecodesign methodology for recyclable textile coverings used in the European construction and transport industry

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The overall aim of EcoMeTex is to develop a tailored Ecodesign methodology for optimising the design of textile coverings with regard to eco-efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This comprises an analysis of the entire life cycle identify significant environmental and economic impacts and hence potential for improvement guaranteeing high product quality, as well as high product safety. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) allows to identify the crucial weak points in the life cycle and to assess improvement strategies to achieve an environmentally sensitive product design. LCA informs designers and developers concerning the implications of their choices on the environmental impacts and is therefore a decision-making tool. The innovative methodology faces the challenge to solve the paradox of textiles coverings: on the one hand the bonding of the multi layers has to be solid; on the other hand the multi layers have to be easy to dismantle for recycling. Applying this methodology a closed loop system of resources is realised, enabling material recycling. Re-design comprises not only optimisation of currently used material sets or manufacturing and distribution processes but also product and process innovations: It covers the development of innovative material adaptations as well as new approaches within the manufacturing process, recovery and reuse stage itself. The feasibility of the re-design concepts will be proven by producing prototypes of eco-designed textile floor coverings from the construction sector. The work will be completed by describing the methodology in a Code of Pratice which will be implemented in a customised, practical and intuitive software tool. The Ecodesign methodology will provide additionally a communication scheme for external communication based upon LCA results too. The transferability of the Ecodesign methodology for textile coverings to other sectors will be analysed using the example of luggage cover representing the transport sector.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Recycling of common textiles such as carpeting can decrease costs and improve efficiency in the textile manufacturing sector. A new project is developing an ecodesign methodology to optimise textile design.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

In order for carpets to be recyclable, the design process needs to be updated to include more recyclable materials.

Another consideration is that layered carpets need to be solidly bonded while in use, but still easy to dismantle for recycling.The EU-funded http://www.ecometex.eu (ECOMETEX) project is creating a new design methodology that will optimise the cost effectiveness and eco-efficiency of textile coverings such as carpeting.

The project will apply the methodology to create innovative, recyclable carpet textiles.An eight-step design methodology was proposed, and ECOMETEX researchers gathered and created several tools needed for the process.

Updated product concepts for two different types of commercially available carpeting have been completed using the new design methodology.The second focus of the project was on recyclable carpet design.

A recyclable yarn called PA6 was modified to have better thermal properties.

ECOMETEX used this new yarn to create a recyclable woven carpet.

Researchers are now working on developing a tufted carpet with a non-recyclable backing and recyclable pile thread.Further work will introduce flame retardant and antistatic agents to the recyclable carpets, and the new products will be tested at industrial-scale.

The project also aims to test the new products in the automotive industry.