Contact person
Carl Jensen
Enhetschef
Contact Carl
Recycling of textile materials
The textile industry is facing increasing pressure to recycle textile waste, comply with stricter EU regulations and remain competitive. Achieving this requires profitable and sustainable solutions, with material recycling as a central element of future business models.
End-to-end textile recycling innovation support
RISE supports the entire recycling chain – from strategy, analysis and circular design to pre-treatment, recycling using mechanical, chemical or thermomechanical methods, and the development of new materials and products. With cutting-edge expertise in textile material flows, advanced testbeds and unique technical infrastructure, we enable efficient circular business models.
As an independent partner, RISE provides practical expertise to develop, test, validate and verify recycled textile materials. Testing is conducted according to established standards, and we also develop customised methods tailored to specific needs.
Through a global network and active involvement in EU textile policy, RISE offers access to international collaborations, market insights and early adaptation to future regulations. With long-standing experience and a holistic approach, we take projects from lab scale to industrial application – whether in fashion, interiors, technical textiles, medical devices or the public sector.
Our textile recycling services
- Strategy, analysis and circular design
- Material pre-treatment
- Chemical, mechanical and thermomechanical recycling
- Product development from proof of concept to prototype
- Verification, testing and certification
Contact us or continue reading to explore our textile recycling offer in detail.
Strategy, analysis and circular design
Effective textile recycling begins in the idea phase. RISE supports companies with strategies and design choices that enable circularity and long-term traceability.
With in-depth knowledge of recycling technologies, RISE guides companies in selecting materials and design solutions compatible with emerging recycling infrastructure. This supports resource efficiency and prepares for upcoming regulations such as digital product passports and ecodesign requirements.
Material pre-treatment
Effective recycling requires careful pre-treatment. Pre-treatment is adapted to the recycling method and the material properties. Read more about pre-treatment and analysis. RISE offers services such as:
- Size reduction (shredding)
- Detoxification of unwanted substances
- Decolourisation
Mechanical recycling
RISE provides pilot and demo-scale capacity for mechanical recycling, including shredding, carding, yarn spinning and nonwoven production. Services include:
- material analysis and purity assessment
- design recommendations for mono-materials
- quality control (e.g. fibre analysis and mechanical properties)
- guidance on certification
Thermomechanical recycling
This method is primarily used for thermoplastic fibres such as polyester. RISE offers:
- Shredding, washing and melt filtration
- Thermal and rheological analysis
- Process support through additives
- Melt spinning of mono- and multi-component fibres
- Blending with virgin materials
Chemical recycling
Chemical recycling enables the breakdown and reuse of mixed or degraded materials. Services include:
- Testing in recycling reactors
- Development of depolymerisation processes
- Analysis of recycled fibres and polymers
- Repolymerisation and material recovery
- Strategies for circular design, including recyclability evaluation, with a focus on polyester-based materials
Product development from proof of concept to prototype
RISE offers advanced technical support in the development of prototypes using recycled fibres. The focus is on optimising material properties and adapting processes for different applications. RISE develops knitted textiles, nonwovens and composites using recycled feedstock, ensuring that functionality, durability and processability meet both design and production requirements.
Analysis, testing and certification
RISE offers advanced testing and characterisation of textile materials, ensuring product quality, functionality and chemical safety in products made from recycled fibres. Analyses include fibre and material structure, mechanical properties, thermal and chemical profiles, as well as identification of contaminants and hazardous substances. Testing follows international standards, and customised methods are developed when needed.
As a certified OEKO-TEX® institute, RISE supports certification processes for STANDARD 100, MADE IN GREEN, STeP and other OEKO-TEX® programmes. This verifies that recycled textile products meet high safety and quality standards, facilitating market access.
Your ideas are safe with us
RISE protects your innovations with proper handling of intellectual property and clear non-disclosure agreements (NDAs).
Tailored partnerships for textile innovation
RISE offers both specific services and long-term partnerships to support companies in the transition to sustainable and circular textile products. Whether support is needed with testing, certification, analysis or more extensive collaboration across the development journey, services are tailored to meet the needs. RISE also supports research applications and joint projects, including help with applying for EU-funded research and innovation projects and national programmes.
Contact us
RISE offers support at every stage of the textile recycling process – from sorting and material analysis to technology selection and pilot or demo-scale development. We would be happy to learn about your challenges and how we can support you. Don't hestitate to get in touch with us!
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More information
Frequently asked questions
- How do we recycle blended materials containing both synthetic and natural fibres?
- How do we ensure that recycled textiles are free from harmful substances?
- How do we meet traceability requirements for recycled material?
- Can we produce new products from our production waste?
- Do we need to change the design when manufacturing with recycled material?
- Which technology is best suited for recycling different types of textile waste?
- Are there certifications for recycled fibre?
Who we help
- Global and local manufacturers and brands in clothing, interior, workwear and technical textiles
- Public actors, authorities, regions, municipalities and municipal waste companies
- Material and component producers manufacturing textile fibres, plastics, composites and other materials for textile-related products
Regulations we help you comply with
- Waste directive (2008/98/ec)
- EU strategy for sustainable and circular textiles (2022)
- Extended producer responsibility (epr)
- Reach regulation (ec 1907/2006)
- Ecodesign regulation for sustainable products (espr) – upcoming
- Product safety laws for recycled textile products
- Textile labelling regulations
- Environmental permits and occupational health and safety laws, e.g., for recycling facilities
Explore our complete textile innovation offering
We offer innovation support to help turn ideas into sustainable, scalable textile products. With advanced test and demo facilities, paired with extensive and specialised expertise, we support companies across the entire innovation cycle – from strategic guidance and design, to material development, prototyping, testing, certification and material recycling – all within RISE.
