Recycled textiles in the construction industry - ReTexCon

The project focuses on the use of recycled materials in long-lasting construction products. The project develops solutions for the circulation of materials and rationalization of natural resource consumption. The project measures focus on economical demolition in construction and the recycling of textile/fibrous construction waste (containing fibers/textiles) (e.g. hotels, apartment buildings, single-family homes) as well as the utilization of post-industrial and post-consumer textile waste in construction products.

In Finland, the obligation for separate collection of textile waste came into effect at the beginning of 2023. In the EU, this obligation took effect on January 1, 2025. This reduces the amount of textiles ending up in mixed waste but simultaneously increases the quantity of collected textiles while deteriorating their quality. According to the waste hierarchy, the primary approach is to prevent waste generation through various measures before a product becomes waste.
Finland produces approximately 87,000 tons of discarded textiles annually, of which only about 20% are reused or recycled. These refer to worn-out textiles that can no longer be used as they are or repaired for reuse. Among discarded textiles collected from businesses and consumers, fiber-blended and elastane-containing textiles, as well as multilayer textiles, pose particular challenges for recycling. Their large quantities primarily complicate the recycling process.
This project focuses on discarded textiles that have no potential for reuse as they are and for which no clear recycling solution exists. Additionally, the project aims to develop reuse or recycling possibilities for challenging textile by-products generated in industrial production.
In construction, textiles are used for purposes such as protective covers, nets, geotextiles in drainage, frost insulation, and embankment reinforcement. Other construction textiles are produced by coating and laminating nonwoven fabrics with plastic, wood, or metal. These include roofing felt, wall panels, sound and thermal insulation materials, and acoustic boards. Concrete can also be reinforced with fiber mass or structures.

- Development of a digital tool integrating material and data flows: The tool connects the material and data flows of recycled textiles used in the construction industry, enhances the predictability of material recyclability, and reduces waste generation.
- Creation of new circular economy ecosystems: Establishing new ecosystems and networks among companies in the textile and fashion industry, discarded textiles sector, real estate and construction businesses, and universities of applied sciences to support the emergence of new product innovations.
- Preparation of procurement practice proposals: Suggestions for utilizing discarded textile fibers in public procurement within the construction sector.
- Increasing the utilization of discarded textiles: Expanding the use of discarded textiles in the real estate and construction industry through the implementation of RDI (Research, Development, and Innovation) demonstrations.
- Sharing results and best practices: Disseminating new knowledge, networks, and effective operational methods nationally for various stakeholders to benefit from.

The project promotes circular economy and carbon neutrality by bringing together stakeholders from the textile and fashion industry, the discarded textile sector, and the real estate and construction industries. Utilizing discarded textiles in long-lasting products reduces waste and environmental impact while increasing resource efficiency. Both the recycling rate of the textile industry and construction sector improve. Digital solutions enhance material management, and public procurement supports sustainable solutions. The project creates potential for new sustainable business opportunities and, in the future, strengthens industry players' capabilities to implement circular economy practices.

EAKR Euroopan aluekehitysrahasto 2021-2027

Hämeen ELY-keskus