T4T automatic sorting machine for recycling used apparels

The first – industrial scale – T4T sorting machine has been developed during the past three years by a consortium of SMEs under the name Textiles4Textiles. Each partner in the T4T consortium represents part of the value chain of second-hand textiles: collection, sorting, recycling and manufacturing. The first partner in the chain is KICI Foundation, the biggest charity collector of second-hand textiles in the Benelux. The second partner, Wieland Textiles, is responsible for the sorting process. Therefore, the T4T sorting machine is installed at the premises Wieland in Wormerveer, so that hand sorting and automatic sorting can be part of an integrated process.

 

Disposing of old clothes is emotional for people. We feel guilty when we throw away a garment which is still perfectly wearable. Research which KICI #

The technical core of the machine was developed by the German companies LZH, specialized in Near Infra Red (NIR) technology, and m-u-t AG, specialized in the hardware and interface of the detection device. The next partner in the chain, Frankenhuis, is specialized in the unraveling of second-hand textiles into fibres. 

 

Disposing of old clothes is emotional for people. We feel guilty when we throw away a garment which is still perfectly wearable. Research which KICI #

Groenendijk Bedrijfskleding, a sales company specialized in work wear, has developed a work wear collection in which partly post-consumer recycled fibres are used. Work on Progress was involved in the project for the purpose of building the business case for the machine as well as marketing.

 

Disposing of old clothes is emotional for people. We feel guilty when we throw away a garment which is still perfectly wearable. Research which KICI #

Lastly, ENVIU made a film to promote the project and involved students in the carrying out of various research activities.

 

Disposing of old clothes is emotional for people. We feel guilty when we throw away a garment which is still perfectly wearable. Research which KICI #

In order to be able to carry out this innovative project with the partners of T4T - being mainly SMEs – a subsidy was obtained from EU’s Eco Innovation program.

 

Disposing of old clothes is emotional for people. We feel guilty when we throw away a garment which is still perfectly wearable. Research which KICI #

With 3.4 million jobs in eco-industries and a growing demand for environmental products and services, Europe has the potential to meet the environmental challenges of the future. The EU’s Eco-innovation initiative was set up to tap this potential to the fullest by giving clever ideas and new environmentally-friendly solutions a chance to reach an EU-wide market.

 

Disposing of old clothes is emotional for people. We feel guilty when we throw away a garment which is still perfectly wearable. Research which KICI #

Eco-innovation boosts economic growth whilst protecting the environment. The T4T project contributes to this European ambition by creating new possibilities for the textile industry and creating jobs in both sorting and recycling companies. In addition, there is the positive environmental impact of the usage of recycled fibres.

 

Disposing of old clothes is emotional for people. We feel guilty when we throw away a garment which is still perfectly wearable. Research which KICI #

 

Disposing of old clothes is emotional for people. We feel guilty when we throw away a garment which is still perfectly wearable. Research which KICI #