On the face of it, things are looking pretty good: companies and research institutes around the world are unveiling new technologies and materials that facilitate the circular economy. Unfortunately, the general prerequisite for the loss-free recycling and reutilisation of raw materials is homogeneity. This is a problem that the textile industry and the consumer-goods sector have in common due to their wide range of material mixes. So, what are the solutions both here and there?
A shining example
Blachere Illumination, a specialist for city centre and contract lighting, is booming after switching to sustainable lighting solutions made using 3D printing – in part because the tendering requirements in Europe had changed. Back in 2019, the company introduced its BioPrint innovation, a sustainable and biodegradable material for 3D printing based on sugar cane. This was followed in 2021 by its patented Recy-Print material made from recycled plastic bottles. The production of both materials consumes 10 times less CO2 than the conventional aluminium frames commonly used in the industry. Moreover, Blachere Illumination uses recyclable electrical components so that almost 100 percent of the individual parts can be recycled. Another advantage is the great design freedom inherent in the process because 3D printing means its products can be produced with an almost infinite variety of colours and shapes. But that's not all: the creations, most of which are custom-made, are designed to last and can be used for up to ten years or longer.
The transport solution: besides price, the main reason for the great success of this innovative material is its outstanding technical qualities. “Basically, Rivercyclon® is actually better than PVC because it offers many additional benefits”, says Boris Gaasbeek. For example, Rivercyclon® contains no phthalates, so it is non-toxic during processing, and weighs up to 40 percent less than conventional PVC-coated fabrics, which makes it particularly attractive for the transport sector. Therefore, one of the flagship projects is the collaboration with Swiss bag manufacturer Freitag and other industrial partners who are working together on the development of a sustainable truck tarpaulin that can be recycled after its second life as a Freitag bag. An entire fleet of heavy goods vehicles with recyclable tarpaulins is currently undergoing endurance tests on the road. The material for the brand's prototype bag has already completed its two-year test on a delivery vehicle.
To be continued ...
In part 2 of this article, we explore how a consumer goods manufacturer is setting new standards for sustainability with innovative materials and smart take-back concepts. From design tableware for deposit systems to recyclable carpets for event flooring and 3D-printed furniture following the cradle-to-cradle principle – discover inspiring approaches from various industries!
Cover picture © Freitag / Simon Habegger
Serie: How things can work
About the series
The challenges facing companies in the textile industry are multifaceted and, to put it mildly, not without difficulty. They range from rising costs for raw materials and energy, a shortage of skilled workers and supply chain problems to the megatrends of sustainability and digitalisation.
Innovative companies seize their opportunities and take advantage of such challenges to generate their business models. However, this rarely works in isolation. Business and research networks are called for.
In the ‘How things can work’ series, we present companies, start-ups and market leaders that have not only tackled a problem but have also used it to develop a sustainable business venture.
