Survey of the possibilities to recycle products of synthetic textile blends in Sweden: Commissioned by RISE Research Institutes of Sweden
Typ
Examensarbete för masterexamen
Program
Production engineering (MPPEN), MSc
Publicerad
2020
Författare
Karlqvist, Johanna
Larsson, Ingrid
Modellbyggare
Tidskriftstitel
ISSN
Volymtitel
Utgivare
Sammanfattning
The textile industry is an environmentally challenging industry with an almost linear
value chain where resources are extracted and used in a wasteful manner. Recycling
of textiles can save natural resources at a global scale and by that, contribute to
the transformation towards a more circular industry. This master’s thesis is investigating
the situation related to recycling for products of synthetic textile blends,
which are defined as footwear, outdoor clothing and sportswear by the researchers
of this report. This master’s thesis is performed at RISE Research Institutes of
Sweden AB (RISE) at the division of Materials and Production. RISE is a Swedish
research institute, active within a broad sector of research areas. RISE collaborates
with universities, the industry and society for innovation development and sustainable
growth. Three research questions are answered connected to the present state,
stakeholder’s view and external initiatives regarding recycling of synthetic textile
blends. The master thesis consists of a literature study and an empirical study.
The data in the empirical study was collected through questionnaires and interviews
aimed at four stakeholder groups; retailers, municipalities, research institutes
& authorities and recycling & collecting companies.
The findings showed that there are currently no large-scale system for handling
of products of synthetic textile blends and that such a solution is still far away.
Drivers and barriers have been identified from the four stakeholder groups. The
drivers common by the majority of the stakeholder groups were change into circular
business models and resource efficiency. The barriers were found to be more specific
where the lack of a sustainable infrastructure was common for all stakeholder
groups. External initiatives are found to be important, where an external producer
responsibility will possibly have the largest impact regarding recycling of products
of synthetic textile blends.
From today’s situation for synthetic textile blends, two possible scenarios have been
identified. The first scenario is to include the synthetic textile blends in a thermochemical
recycling process where the outcome can be used as recycled raw materials
to produce valuable chemicals and materials. The second scenario is to use the
synthetic textile blends as fuel to other processes. Conclusions can be drawn that
the industry need to be more transparent and that communication and cooperation
between stakeholders need to be increased.
Beskrivning
Ämne/nyckelord
recycling, circular economy, products of synthetic textile blends, footwear , outdoor clothing, sportswear, present state analysis