Survey of the possibilities to recycle products of synthetic textile blends in Sweden: Commissioned by RISE Research Institutes of Sweden

Abstract

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.