Recycling

In the field of recycling technology, the STFI develops practical solutions for closed-loop material cycles in the textile and composites industries.

The STFI possesses the necessary research and development expertise as well as the appropriate plant technology to develop processing and recycling concepts and implement them in practice as proof of concept. The long-term, strategic development goals focus on optimised recycling processes and the improvement of recycled materials through process and production optimisation. The aim is to achieve sustainable material cycles with high recovery rates. Existing products should remain in the material cycle for as long as possible, so that no new resources need to be added. With these key focus areas in the field of recycling and resource conservation, the STFI makes a decisive contribution to environmental protection and decarbonisation, as this conserves raw materials and establishes efficient, sustainable circular technologies on the market.

Textile recycling at the STFI focuses primarily on mechanical processing methods such as cutting, shear grinding and shredding, as well as the reintroduction of the recovered recyclates into high-quality products.

Torn fibres and fibre flakes are used in high-performance non-woven fabrics, yarns, mats and other products, whilst concepts for recycling-friendly design and secondary use are already incorporated at the product development stage. Smart textiles are also specifically investigated for sustainable recycling and incorporated into circular material flows.