The main objective of the LIFE-ECOTEX Project is to demonstrate a circular economy concept based in the closed loop recycling of waste polyester synthetic textiles associated with the footwear sector, by achieving the following objectives:
- The demonstration of the chemical recycling of polyester shoemaking rejections recovering a high quality BHET monomer (recycled ester).
- The demonstration of the closing loop for polyester material by using the recovered BHET for the synthesis of new PET, and the subsequent fabrication of polyester staple fibre (PSF) used in the manufacture of non-woven textiles. On one hand the original footwear application, the footwear felts used especially in shoe insoles, and on the other hand insulation textile polyester products, getting thin fibres for enhanced insulation capacity.
- The development of policy recommendations for the EC on textiles manufacturing using chemically recycled polyester.
- The introduction of a flexible, easily-operated and medium-scale catalytic glycolysis technology yielding versatile applications of the products.
- The establishment of viable markets for the obtained textile products (shoe insoles and insulators) as well as the participation of industry, waste managers, local and national authorities and final customers.
- Setting the basis for an economic and environmentally- friendly process performing a comprehensive LCA and viability analysis.
- The dissemination of the project results to target groups and the promotion of local networks associated with the involved stakeholders in the polyester material value chain.
