AdvBioTEXloop

Recently high-performance regenerated cellulosic fibers Iroony® were prepared from locally sourced secondary biomass of hemp stem, using HighPerCell® technology (dry-jet wet spinning from ionic liquid). AdvBioTEXloop will scale-up the production of these high resistant regenerated cellulosic fibers to create Advanced, Sustainable, Circular, and Multifunctional Bio-based textiles, with extended durability and life span as well as increased circularity, and least environmental impact. A pilot-line has been developed in Germany. This process will be extended to other locally available plant stems (secondary biomass) to increase the in-put of bio-based fibers in the textile value chain. The HighPerCell® technology will be equally tested for recycling of textiles at the end-of their life cycle. Improved flexibility of these high performance cellulosic fibers will allow to produce various yarns including blended yarns (with other bio-based fibers such as cotton, cottonized linen, polyamide 11, etc…)., as well as different flexible 2D and 3D fabric structures, with better handle and softness. Increased abrasion resistance of the yarns will produce high quality woven and knitted textiles with extended life span, including apparels and technical textiles for sportswear and protective wear (eg: hospital) and work wear. AdvBioTEXloop will develop Novel Smart Multi-functional textiles using eco-friendly dyeing and finishing processes and safe bio-based ingredients. Bio-based dyes and biomordants, bio-crosslinker based anti-crease finishes, antimicrobial agents, bio-based superhydrophobic finishes or barrier coatings, will be used to add functionalities according to product specifications. Smart textiles will also be produced using bio-based microencapsulated phase change materials (PCM) for moisture/temperature management or bio-based photochromic dyes/pigments. Use of bio-cross-linkers will further enhance the textile abrasion and crease-resistance, while reducing the release of microfibers and the rate of textile waste diposal. Combination with water repellency and antimicrobial properties will significantly reduce environmental impact of the use phase (less washing, ironing and drying). Hazard and risk screening will be made to select only safe bio-based functional substances. Eco-processes (plasma, enzymes, spraying…) to impart functionalities during dyeing and finishing can reduce considerably energy and water consumption. Safety and sustainability of processes and end-products will be assessed using toxicity/ecotoxicity and Life cycle assessment, respectively. All end-products will be designed in collaboration with end-users, designers and recyclers during the product design phase, and product disassembly strategies (specially for blends) will be defined during this design phase to better orientate reuse and recycling processes at the end-of phase of products. Wash and wear resistant Smart woven tags will be made using bio-based hybrid fluorescent pigments. They will allow to implement block chain technology improving traceability of the production chain (all stakeholders), of the product sustainability, and will enable better waste management, and better circularity during the re-use and re-cycle phase too, by proper recognition of the products. The project will also study strategies to pre-treat textiles at the end of life (removal of dyes and finishes) using ecotechnologies for better quality of recycled products. Technoeconomic feasibility assessment, and economic performance analysis of three products will be carried and the appropriate value chains proposed, to create sustainable and circular business models for the (EU and local) production and consumption of circular bio-based textiles. This 4 year project will involve SMEs, and at least 2 end-users, as well as multi-disciplinary researchers in various disciplines from 6 different European countries..