Textile recycling
RISE provides innovation support for textile recycling – from pre-treatment to mechanical, chemical and thermomechanical technology – turning textile waste into new material. We help you meet tightening EU requirements and make recycling a profitable, sustainable part of your business model.
RISE provides support across the entire recycling value chain — from strategy, analysis and circular design to pre-treatment, recycling through mechanical, chemical or thermomechanical technologies, and development of new materials and products.
With deep expertise in textile material flows, advanced testbeds and unique technical infrastructure, we enable the development of efficient circular business models.
As an independent research partner, we provide practical expertise to develop, test, validate and verify recycled textile materials. We conduct testing according to established international standards and also develop tailored methods for specific industry needs.
Through our global network and active engagement in EU textile policy initiatives, you gain access to international collaborations, market insights and early adaptation to emerging regulations. With extensive experience and a systems perspective, we support projects from laboratory research to industrial implementation — across sectors such as fashion, interiors, technical textiles, medical textiles and the public sector.
Our textile recycling services
- Strategy, analysis and circular design
- Material pre-treatment
- Mechanical, chemical and thermomechanical recycling
- Product development from proof of concept to prototype
- Verification, testing and certification
Strategy, analysis and circular design
Effective textile recycling begins already at the concept stage. RISE supports companies with strategies and design choices that enable circularity and long-term traceability.
With extensive knowledge of recycling technologies, we guide companies in selecting materials and design solutions that are compatible with emerging recycling infrastructure. This improves resource efficiency and prepares companies for upcoming regulations such as Digital Product Passports and Ecodesign requirements.
Mechanical recycling
We offer pilot and demonstration capabilities for mechanical recycling processes including:
- Shredding
- Carding
- Yarn spinning
- Nonwoven production
Our services include:
- Material analysis and purity assessment
- Design recommendations for mono-material solutions
- Quality control (e.g., fibre analysis and mechanical performance testing)
- Guidance for certification processes
Thermomechanical recycling
Thermomechanical recycling is primarily used for thermoplastic fibres such as polyester.
Our services include:
- Shredding, washing and melt filtration
- Thermal and rheological analysis
- Process optimisation using additives
- Melt spinning of mono- and multicomponent fibres
- Blending recycled materials with virgin polymers
Chemical recycling
Chemical recycling enables the recovery and reuse of mixed or degraded textile materials that cannot easily be recycled mechanically.
Our services include:
- Recyclability assessment of polyester-based textiles
- Testing in recycling reactors
- Development of depolymerisation processes
- Analysis of recovered fibres and polymers
- Repolymerisation and material recovery
- Circular design strategies focusing on recyclability
Product development – from proof of concept to prototype
We provide advanced technical support in the development of prototypes based on recycled fibres.
Our work focuses on optimising material properties and process compatibility for different applications. We develop products such as knitted textiles, nonwoven materials and composite structures using recycled raw materials, ensuring that functionality, durability and processability meet both design and manufacturing requirements.
Analysis, testing and certification
RISE provides advanced testing and characterisation of textile materials to ensure product quality, functionality and chemical safety for products made from recycled fibres and materials.
Our analyses include evaluation of:
- Fibre and material structure
- Mechanical properties
- Thermal and chemical profiles
- Contaminants and hazardous substances
Testing is conducted according to international standards, while customised testing methods can also be developed to address unique requirements.
As a certified OEKO-TEX® institute, we support certification according to programmes including:
- STANDARD 100
- MADE IN GREEN
- STeP
- Other OEKO-TEX® certification schemes
These certifications verify that recycled textile products meet high standards for safety, quality and transparency, supporting market acceptance.
Chemical recycling
Chemical recycling enables the recovery and reuse of mixed or degraded textile materials that cannot easily be recycled mechanically.
Our services include:
- Recyclability assessment of polyester-based textiles
- Testing in recycling reactors
- Development of depolymerisation processes
- Analysis of recovered fibres and polymers
- Repolymerisation and material recovery
- Circular design strategies focusing on recyclability
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about textile recycling
How can blended materials containing synthetic and natural fibres be recycled?
Blended materials are more complex to recycle because different fibres require different recycling processes. Through sorting, mechanical recycling or chemical recycling technologies, materials can be separated or processed for reuse in new textile products.
How can companies ensure recycled textiles are free from hazardous substances?
Chemical analysis and material testing can verify compliance with legislation and standards. Testing identifies unwanted substances and ensures that materials meet requirements such as REACH and other regulatory frameworks.
How can traceability of recycled materials be ensured?
Traceability can be achieved through documentation of material flows, fibre composition analysis and supply chain verification. Digital systems and certification schemes can also help verify the origin and composition of recycled materials.
Can production waste be used to create new textile products?
Yes. Production waste from textile manufacturing can often be recycled and used as raw material for new fibre or material processes. Mechanical or chemical recycling can transform waste materials into new fibres or materials.
Does product design need to change when using recycled materials?
In many cases, product design and material composition need to be adapted to optimise performance and recyclability. Circular design strategies may involve using fewer material types or designing products that are easier to recycle.
Which recycling technology is best for different types of textile waste?
The optimal recycling technology depends on the material type, fibre composition and quality of the waste stream. Common methods include mechanical recycling, chemical recycling and thermomechanical processes.
Are there certifications for recycled fibres?
Yes. Several certification schemes exist for recycled textile materials, including Global Recycled Standard (GRS) and Recycled Claim Standard (RCS). These certifications verify recycled content and ensure transparency in the value chain.How can blended materials containing synthetic and natural fibres be recycled?
Blended materials are more complex to recycle because different fibres require different recycling processes. Through sorting, mechanical recycling or chemical recycling technologies, materials can be separated or processed for reuse in new textile products.
How can companies ensure recycled textiles are free from hazardous substances?
Chemical analysis and material testing can verify compliance with legislation and standards. Testing identifies unwanted substances and ensures that materials meet requirements such as REACH and other regulatory frameworks.
How can traceability of recycled materials be ensured?
Traceability can be achieved through documentation of material flows, fibre composition analysis and supply chain verification. Digital systems and certification schemes can also help verify the origin and composition of recycled materials.
Can production waste be used to create new textile products?
Yes. Production waste from textile manufacturing can often be recycled and used as raw material for new fibre or material processes. Mechanical or chemical recycling can transform waste materials into new fibres or materials.
Does product design need to change when using recycled materials?
In many cases, product design and material composition need to be adapted to optimise performance and recyclability. Circular design strategies may involve using fewer material types or designing products that are easier to recycle.
Which recycling technology is best for different types of textile waste?
The optimal recycling technology depends on the material type, fibre composition and quality of the waste stream. Common methods include mechanical recycling, chemical recycling and thermomechanical processes.
Are there certifications for recycled fibres?
Yes. Several certification schemes exist for recycled textile materials, including Global Recycled Standard (GRS) and Recycled Claim Standard (RCS). These certifications verify recycled content and ensure transparency in the value chain.
Regulations we help you navigate
The circular transition in the textile industry is strongly driven by new European regulations. RISE helps companies understand and prepare for:
- Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC)
- EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles (2022)
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
- REACH Regulation (EC 1907/2006)
- Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR)
- Product safety legislation for recycled textile products
- Textile labelling regulations
- Environmental and occupational safety regulations for recycling facilities
Your ideas are safe with us
We protect your innovations through proper intellectual property management and clear non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). This ensures that ideas, material solutions and development projects can be discussed and developed in a secure and professional collaboration environment.
Tailored collaborations for textile innovation
RISE offers both specific services and long-term partnerships for companies developing sustainable and circular textile products.
We support companies with:
- Testing, analysis and certification
- Innovation and development projects
- Collaborative research initiatives
- Applications for funding through EU programmes and national funding calls
Who we help
We work with stakeholders across the entire textile value chain — from material development to finished products and recycling.
Our partners include:
- Global and local manufacturers and brands in apparel, interiors, workwear and technical textiles
- Public organisations such as authorities, regions, municipalities and municipal waste companies working with textile collection and recycling systems
- Material and component producers developing textile fibres, plastics, composites and other materials for textile-related products
Discuss your textile recycling challenges with us
Whether you are exploring circular design, textile waste recycling or development of new materials from recycled fibres, our experts can help you evaluate the right technologies and strategies.
Contact me to discuss your textile recycling challenges.
Would you like to learn more about how RISE can support your work with textile recycling solutions?
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