This event is part of the 10th edition of the Circular Economy Week, a week in which companies, government organizations and circular hubs across the Netherlands offer an inspiring view on various circular themes. Events and activities are organized to rethink how we design, use, and reuse products. SustainaLab is thrilled to participate as an official hub, opening our doors to showcase innovative approaches to building a circular economy.
Knowledge session: Recycling of Textiles
Date: Monday 17th of March, 10.30 – 12.00
Location: SustainaLab, Matrix ONE, Amsterdam Science Park 301, 1098 XH Amsterdam.
Language: English
Currently, only 1% of discarded textiles are recycled – the rest are burned or dumped, with disastrous consequences for the environment. As one of the most polluting industries, textile production emits more CO₂ than aviation and shipping combined and consumes vast amounts of water and resources. During this event, we will explore innovative solutions to this crisis, from chemical recycling, which breaks down textiles into raw materials for reuse to mechanical recycling, which gives old fibers a second life.
Line-up:
- Gert-Jan Gruter, part-time professor at UvA’s Industrial Sustainable Chemistry group and CTO at Avantium, will give a keynote on a groundbreaking chemical recycling technology that efficiently recycles both the cotton and polyester components of polycotton, offering a scalable solution for textile waste.
- Michiel Dekkers, co-owner of i-did, will share how mechanical recycling transforms discarded textiles into high-quality recycled felt, creating new products while reducing fashion waste.
- Ellen Mensink, founder of Brightfiber Textiles, the first worldwide fully automated 100% circular fiber-to-fiber fashion producer. Brightfiber recently set up a factory in Amsterdam. Ellen will enlighten us on their innovative upcycling process and share her views on the importance of a fully closed loop approach.
Interested in the future of textile recycling? Join us to learn about innovative solutions and connect with experts working toward a more sustainable industry. Register here!