Material selection and circular textile design
Circular textile design means designing textile products for long life, repair, reuse and efficient recycling — decisions that are largely determined at the design stage. RISE supports material selection, textile design and circular product strategies, from decision-making data to testing circular pilot models.
Design principles for circular textiles
Circular design begins with material selection and construction. To enable circular material flows, sustainability must be built into product development from the outset:
- Choose materials that can be recycled in established systems
- Avoid complex fibre blends that hinder recycling
- Design products for easy disassembly and repair
- Ensure traceability of materials and components
- Minimise microfibre release from synthetic materials
Material selection and fibre classification
The choice of fibre affects both a product's lifespan and its environmental footprint. RISE classifies textile fibres according to industry standards and sustainability criteria, and guides you in selecting materials that minimise climate impact — without compromising function or quality.
Reducing microfibre release from synthetic textiles
Textiles made from synthetic fibres such as polyester and nylon contribute to microfibre release into our waterways. RISE works with start-ups, appliance manufacturers and public authorities to reduce these effects. We offer analyses using both standardised and in-house methods, develop filter solutions for washing machines and carry out comparative studies of wash programmes and machine types.
Services for material selection and circular textile design
- Circular design
- Classification of textile fibres to industry standards and sustainability criteria
- Classification for recycling
- Analysis of microfibre release during washing
- Development and testing of filter solutions for washing machines
- Gravimetric and microscopic analysis of fibre release
We protect your innovations through proper handling of intellectual property rights and clear non-disclosure agreements (NDAs).
Who we help
We work with organisations across the entire textile value chain: global and local manufacturers and brands (clothing, interiors, workwear, technical textiles), public bodies and municipal waste companies, and material and component producers.
We offer both specific services and long-term partnerships, including support in research and innovation projects and help applying for national or EU funding.
Regulations we help you navigate
The circular transition in the textile industry is largely driven by new regulations. We help you understand and prepare for, among others:
- The Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC)
- The EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles (2022)
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
- The REACH Regulation (EC 1907/2006)
- The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) — forthcoming requirements
- Product safety legislation for recycled textile products
- Textile labelling regulations
- Environmental permits and occupational health and safety legislation for recycling facilities, for example
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about material selection and circular design
How can companies prepare for the Digital Product Passport for textiles? Companies prepare by mapping their material flows, securing data collection across the entire value chain and building systems for traceability and documentation. The Digital Product Passport will require information on material content, traceability, environmental impact and recyclability.
How do you choose materials that enable recycling and minimise environmental impact? By choosing materials that are compatible with established recycling systems, avoiding complex material blends and prioritising sustainable fibre alternatives. This results in products that are easier to recycle and have a lower climate impact.
How do you design textiles to make disassembly and reuse easier? By using fewer material types, avoiding permanent bonds and planning the construction so that components can be easily separated. This allows textiles to be repaired, reused or recycled.
How do you ensure products meet forthcoming EU requirements on ecodesign and digital product passports? By integrating sustainability requirements from the design and development stage — covering traceability, material selection, a life-cycle perspective and documentation of the product's environmental performance.
How does traceability in material selection contribute to more efficient recycling? Traceability makes it easier to identify which materials a product contains, which makes sorting and recycling more efficient and enables higher material recovery at the end of the life cycle.
Discuss your question with an expert
Whether you're working on material selection, circular design or reducing microfibre release, our experts can help you turn sustainability challenges into practical solutions. Get in touch for a free consultation.
Would you like to know more about how RISE can support your development in the textile industry? Fill in the form and we'll get in touch.
Want to know more about how RISE can support your development in the textile industry?
Fill in the form and we will contact you!
