Textile recycling in Kymenlaakso region
We improve the handling and usability of removal textiles in the Kymenlaakso region together with our partners.
Let’s recycle our textiles!
The operating environment is changing
Finland generates an annual amount of textile waste ranging from 70 to 100 million kilograms. In 2021, about one-fifth of textile waste was recycled, while the rest was incinerated. Thus, there is a clear need to increase the recycling rate of textile waste, even at the Finnish level alone.
Logistics play a significant role in various stages of different processes, and logistics also incur significant costs, reducing interest in recycling. In this project, the circular economy of textiles is approached from a logistics perspective, aiming to identify bottlenecks that would efficiently increase the recycling and reuse rates. Through the project, regional solutions are sought to ensure that transportation and storage are rational in relation to the value of materials. Increasing regional reuse also aims to develop new business opportunities.
Additionally, the project develops sorting processes and experiential collection methods to enhance sorting efficiency and improve the directing of fractions towards the highest possible value utilization. As the operating environment changes, it is important to identify regional strengths and foster cooperation among industry players. So far, there are not nearly as many end-uses for consumer-generated discarded textile fractions, either as they are or as fibers, as the material is expected to become available with the national collection obligation in effect. The development needs are addressed through roadmap work, skills need assessments, and trials in handling discarded textiles within the project.
The development needs are addressed through roadmap work, skills need assessments, and trials in handling discarded textiles within the project.
On identifying the bottlenecks
Since the beginning of 2023, the obligation for collecting discarded textiles has applied to municipal waste management.
The project, in collaboration with partners, explores possibilities to enhance the collection, waste logistics, sorting, and utilization of textile waste.
Currently, one bottleneck in the process is the slow pace of sorting and the variability in the quality of sorted material. Additionally, by seeking new ways to utilize textile waste, it’s possible to reduce the overall amount of waste.
Currently, one bottleneck in the process is the slow pace of sorting and the variability in the quality of sorted material.
Towards the smart value utilization
We aim to develop sorting processes and experiential collection methods further to enhance sorting efficiency and improve the directing of fractions towards the highest possible value utilization.
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Fostering a healthier customer culture
A significant problem in the fashion industry is the transition to a partly disposable culture. The number of fashion seasons has increased, and how people dispose of unwanted clothing has changed: items are discarded rather than repaired or donated.
Since 1996, the amount of clothing purchased per capita in the EU has increased by 40 percent due to the lowering of the average price of clothing. At the same time, the lifespan of clothing has decreased. Europeans consume almost 26 kilograms and discard about 11 kilograms of textiles each year. At the European level, most of the used clothing (87%) is either incinerated or sent to landfills.
Globally, less than one percent of clothing is recycled into new garments, partly due to insufficient technology.
Facts
Textile recycling in Kymenlaakso region
Info
Budget
Kouvola Innovation 121 070 EUR
Kouvolan ammattiopisto 108 382 EUR
Parik-säätiö 98 268 EUR
Sotek-säätiö 68 884 EUR
Contacts
Annemari Murtovaara-Kenakkala
Project Manager
+358505268090
annemari.murtovaara-kenakkala@xamk.fi
Logistics and seafaring
Eveliina Kuokkanen
RDI Specialist
+358447028452
eveliina.kuokkanen@xamk.fi
Biosampo – Research centre for bio and circular economy
Anne Gango
Senior Lecturer
+358447028217
Department of Construction and Energy Engineering
Project partners
