ITA Augsburg
(Source: ITA Augsburg)
A unique center for research and development in the field of textile recycling, Recycling Atelier Augsburg is located at the Institut für Textiltechnik Augsburg an affiliated institute of Augsburg University of Applied Sciences. The 2 institutions founded the Recycling Atelier in Augsburg/Germany in June 2022 together with 12 partners from the German textile industry.
As a model factory, the Recycling Atelier Augsburg combines the most important processes of textile recycling and offers holistic and comprehensive research along the value chain. The scientists research on all process steps of textile recycling: from material analysis to sorting, preparation and textile processing to sustainable product design. Comprehensive data collection and the use of artificial intelligence as well as innovative materials play a central role.
Kelheim Fibres, Kelheim/Germany, a manufacturer of viscose specialty fibers, has joined Recycling Atelier. The company produces fibers which consist of cellulose, the main component of the renewable raw material wood, and are used worldwide for products in areas such as hygiene, textiles, and technical applications.
In new business development as well as fiber and application development, the company follows the “Open Innovation” concept. Here, Kelheim Fibres works with partners to advance sustainability and performance.
Recycled cotton fibers are often very short or of uneven length, which makes further processing of 100% recycled material a challenge. The addition of specialty viscose fibers from Kelheim Fibres should enable the production of high-quality new products, such as nonwovens. In the future, the fibers provided by the company will also be made from recycled pulp, closing the loop further.
In the Recycling Atelier, the focus is on the triad of technical and ecological sense as well as economic benefit. In this way, the partners of the Recycling Atelier are standing up against fast fashion, outsourced corporate responsibility and a general decline in raw material quality, which often fuels downcycling - the low-quality reuse - of materials.
As a model factory, the Recycling Atelier Augsburg combines the most important processes of textile recycling and offers holistic and comprehensive research along the value chain. The scientists research on all process steps of textile recycling: from material analysis to sorting, preparation and textile processing to sustainable product design. Comprehensive data collection and the use of artificial intelligence as well as innovative materials play a central role.
Kelheim Fibres, Kelheim/Germany, a manufacturer of viscose specialty fibers, has joined Recycling Atelier. The company produces fibers which consist of cellulose, the main component of the renewable raw material wood, and are used worldwide for products in areas such as hygiene, textiles, and technical applications.
In new business development as well as fiber and application development, the company follows the “Open Innovation” concept. Here, Kelheim Fibres works with partners to advance sustainability and performance.
Recycled cotton fibers are often very short or of uneven length, which makes further processing of 100% recycled material a challenge. The addition of specialty viscose fibers from Kelheim Fibres should enable the production of high-quality new products, such as nonwovens. In the future, the fibers provided by the company will also be made from recycled pulp, closing the loop further.
In the Recycling Atelier, the focus is on the triad of technical and ecological sense as well as economic benefit. In this way, the partners of the Recycling Atelier are standing up against fast fashion, outsourced corporate responsibility and a general decline in raw material quality, which often fuels downcycling - the low-quality reuse - of materials.
