#Recycling / Circular Economy

2019-11-14

Schoeller Textil gives wear2wear update

wear2wear™ is an innovative industrial partnership dedicated to high-quality and sustainable clothing. Expert partners in Europe have come together to cover the entire recycling loop. On cutting-edge production systems, textile fibres from used clothing will be turned into functional fabrics. Schoeller Textil AG is supplying a holistic textile portfolio, Inspire, for the workwear area.

The sustainable wear2wearTM concept is synonymous with high-quality, responsible clothing. In European operations, textile fibres from used garments are used to produce new functional fabrics. Depending upon the area of intended use, they also meet strict waterproofing, breathability, protection and comfort requirements. To ensure that the raw material cycle comes full circle, these textiles can be fully recycled again when they reach the end of their service life. As a result, there is no waste, and they go on to produce new garments. All those involved in this network ensure that – from the quality of the raw materials to the guaranteed recycling end process – these are 100 percent recyclable, functional fabrics made of recycled textile fibres. Water- and dirt-repelling technologies based on renewable raw materials, along with the most advanced membrane technology, will ensure that the textiles are manufactured and impregnated entirely without the use of PFC in the future too.

Closing the textile loop together

The eight European core partner companies in the wear2wearTM cooperation cover the entire recycling loop. Heinrich Glaeser Nachfolger GmbH is a German fibre and yarn producer and the “recycler” in the loop. Märkische Faser GmbH (D) is the “upcycler” and fibre manufacturer. Carl Weiske GmbH & Co. KG (D) develops the polymers, fibres, yarns, chemical additives and textile systems, and TWD Fibres GmbH (D), a fully-integrated filament yarn producer, covers the entire range of polyester and polyamide 6.6 continuous filament yarns. Schoeller Textil AG, the innovative Swiss company, is responsible for textile production and manufactures sustainable high-tech fabrics with maximum clothing comfort.

The matching climate-neutral and similarly 100 percent recyclable PTFE and PFC-free membrane, as well as recycled outer materials and linings, are supplied by Sympatex Technologies (D), the ecological alternative among the textile function specialists. DutchSpirit is a Dutch company dedicated to environment-friendly clothing. Its mission is to increase the awareness for sustainable clothing and offer recyclable clothing in the workwear segment. DutchSpirit is the initiator for the development of the Inspire products from Schoeller Textil and provided the inspiration for the wear2wearTM concept. As a sustainable large-scale laundry, the Germany company CWS GmbH (D) not only collects, washes and distributes workwear but also designs and manufactures its own collection of protective workwear.

The Belgian partner company Decontex cleans contaminated workwear by means of a unique process in which the clothing is cleaned using liquid CO2. Liquid CO2 penetrates the deepest fibres of the exposed textiles, loosening and removing the harmful and toxic particles. As a technology partner, mention should be made of Climatex AG (CH) which contributes the patented textile screw. This allows different materials to be joined and detached again. This technology permits mono-material separation of what to date had been non-homogonous textile materials. Further system partners are the companies BTK (RUS), which tailors the inspire fabrics from Schoeller into clothing, and other Schoeller customers – among them, Free Circle (FL), Anchor Workwear BV (NL), Hüsler Berufskleider AG (CH), Bedrijfskledingdiscounter BV (NL), and Rifka'S (NL).

Schneller wear2wear fabric (c) 2019 Schoeller

Inspire fabrics from Schoeller Textil

At Schoeller Textil, the recyclable, functional fabrics from the wear2wearTM concept belong to the Inspire fabric group. These are high-quality protective workwear fabrics made of 100 percent polyester, which offer the greatest clothing comfort. Of course they are also compliant with the stringent requirements of the bluesign® system.

The comprehensive package extends from antibacterial knitted shirt qualities with outstanding moisture management and a pleasantly-cosy fleece fabric to sturdier pants weights with 3XDRY® Bio feelgood technology and super-comfortable soft-shells. Very light, windproof and waterproof 3-layer laminates which, thanks to the optimally-breathable Sympatex membrane, ensure a high level of climate comfort, round out the range. As well as being PTFE-free and PFC-free, the “guaranteed green” Sympatex membrane is 100 percent recyclable and climate neutral. It is absolutely environmentally friendly and skin friendly and certified in accordance with the stringent environmental standards Oeko-tex Standard 100 and bluesign® system.

The dirt and water repelling properties are achieved exclusively through the use of ecorepel® Bio and 3XDRY® Bio technologies, both based on renewable raw materials. In addition to classic colours such as yellow, blue or grey shades, Inspire fabrics are also available in EN ISO 20471-certified high-visibility colours and are certified according to EN 343 for rain protection. Due to the consistent use of polyester fibres, Inspire textiles are very durable, which further helps preserve resources. Furthermore, their production requires significantly less water and energy.

Further information on the eight partner companies as well as technology and system partners: www.wear2wear.org

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