Polycotton becomes household products

Polycotton is a blend of cotton and polyester fibres, combining the comfort and breathability of cotton with the durability and wrinkle resistance of polyester. This results in a strong, low-maintenance fabric with reduced shrinkage and faster drying, commonly used in workwear, home textiles, and technical applications.

For recycled plastics to achieve the necessary strengths and other properties, they often need to be reinforced with virgin plastic. The ‘Fashion to House’ demonstration project aims to create a link between the fashion industry and the household products industry, thereby enabling a new recycling system in which large volumes of technologically advanced, aesthetically pleasing and durable material from the fashion industry - specifically polycotton textile waste - can be used as raw material for household products, which have high demands in terms of appearance, durability and industry standards. 

The project team brings together key industrial players: H&M Group and Electrolux Group represent the supply and demand sides, respectively; The Loop Factory contributes manufacturing expertise; Wargön Innovation offers strong networks and experience in textile recycling; and RISE leads the project with specialised knowledge in converting polycotton into panel materials. RISE also supports the project with sustainability analysis, regulatory insights, and access to pilot-scale facilities. Together, the team has the full capacity to take the concept from idea to commercial production. The project's goal is to transform polycotton waste from the fashion industry into a sustainable raw material for household products.