A relevant issue in the textile recycling process is the contamination, presence of impurities and degradation of the original used textile.
In this context, the design of modern textile requires advanced processes, including simulations and analysis of the model before starting the production. This advanced process allows the pre-evaluation of the circularity levels by design, especially justified in the case of expensive textile materials, such as the textronic-based textiles, where the electronics is embedded directly in the textile, instead of being an extra substrate of the garment.
The digitalisation-driven textile industry is rather more complex for advanced textiles, such as multifunctional smart textiles. EDA Materials CapTech is already working on a proof of concept of multifunctional smart textile, integrating relevant defence smart functionalities, such as signature management, physiological monitoring, wireless communication, fire retardancy, thermal self-regulation.
The application of circular textronics to this model is expected to be the future target for EU defence, while implying a tremendous challenge, combining the complexity of the creation of advanced digitalisation-driven textile processes and the integration of various functions within the same garment.
Finally, the standardisation of the recycling processes (e.g. design and manufacturing of materials to enhance recyclability) is a relevant aspect to improve the reliability of the circularity processes.
Key activities foreseen
- Definition of a roadmap, guiding the development lines from the present scenario towards the fully fledged circular textronics in multifunctional smart textiles in defence;
- Evaluation of the recycling by design of smart textiles, targeting the removal of at least 90% of the hazardous substances that affect the quality of the recycled material and the treatment of at least 90% of all sewage impurities present in the removal steps (e.g. waste water);
- Evaluation of the recycling by design of multifunctional smart textiles, making use of textronic components.
The themes embedded within this Project Circle have been developed within the concerned EDA working bodies, such as the Materials Capability Technology Group (CapTech).
If you want to express your interest in joining this Project Circle, please send an email to our functional MailBox: circular.economy@eda.europa.eu
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