re:newcell
Re:newcell has developed a chemical process allowing for closed loop recycling of cellulosic textiles.
THE PROBLEM
The production of textiles is often a process with heavy environmental consequences. Cotton requires irrigation and is often grown in arid countries where the production has a large impact on the local water supply. Production of petroleum based synthetic fibers such as polyester emits large amounts of greenhouse gases, they are not bio-degradable and, as they are produced from a fossil fuel, are not sustainable. Today, only a small portion of these textiles is re-used and an even smaller portion recycled.
THE INNOVATION
Re:newcell has developed a unique method for regenerating textile fibers. The process was developed at the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm and allows environmentally friendly and economical production of new textiles from used fibers.
Through Re:newcell’s patented process, the environmental impact from textiles can be drastically reduced by recycling cellulosic based textiles (cotton, viscose etc.). The process will also reduce transport distances, allow more land for food production and reduce waste.
The cellulosic fibers produced from re:newcell’s textile pulp are of the same quality as virgin fibers and can be used without any addition of virgin material. Furthermore, Re:newcell does not use any harmful chemicals that can not be recycled in a closed process.
THE VISION
The introduction of this innovation on a large scale will conserve enormous amounts of water, pesticides, energy and land by decreasing the demand for virgin cellulosic fibers such as cotton.