Trash-2-Cash set to recycle the EU's textile waste

A new initiative aimed at recycling the European Union unwanted textile waste, known as Trash-2-Cash, is set to bring together designers, researchers, materials, suppliers and textile producers to facilitate the recycling of old clothing.

Instigated by the Aalto University and the VTT Technical Research Center of Finland, Trash-2-Cash aims to solve the EU textile crisis by recycling the 3 million tons of unwanted garments discarded each year and transform them into new fibers which can be reused. Designers, researchers, scientists, raw-material suppliers and end-product manufacturers from across Europe are included in this new consortium, which counts 19 partners from 10 countries.

Trash-2-Cash is searching for new innovations and techniques which can be used to design high-quality items from the recycled textile fibers. "Turning unwanted textiles into raw materials for new textiles using ecological technologies provides an opportunity for revolutionizing European textile manufacturing and trade," said Ali Harlin, a research professor at VTT to WWD. The joint initiative is looking to develop techniques for the pre-processing and washing of waste textiles, as well as the separation of fibers to be made into new fibers.

The VTT is turning its attention to breaking down the fibers taken from textile waste in order to ensure they are suitable for the cellulose carbamate process. The Ioncell cellulose fiber production process is being over seen by Aalto. Designers will also play an vital role in the initiative as they have been tasked with ensuring the quality, look and performance of the new products catch the consumer's attention.

Test products will be made together will commercial partners during the initiative. Trash-2-Cash is part of the EU's Horizon 2020 program and is set to run through 2018.

Photo: Trash-2-Cash