FEICA 2024 European Adhesive & Sealant Conference and EXPO
NH Conference Centre, Noordwijkerhout, the Netherlands - 11-13 September 2024

Presentation Abstract

Design for Disassembly – Driving Sustainability and Economic Resilience in the Textile Industry

The textile industry exerts a substantial environmental toll, responsible for 1.2 billion tons of CO2 emissions annually—10% of global emissions—alongside 20% of water pollution and 20% natural resource consumption. With over 116 billion garments produced yearly, 78% require disassembly before textile-to-textile recycling, as they are made of different materials and/or have disruptors that hinder recycling such as zippers, buttons and other trims. Only 1% of the textile production is recycled, largely because of the complexity of disassembly – a mandatory pre-recycling process. Resortecs addresses this challenge with innovative eco-design solutions: Smart Stitch™ threads, which dissolve under specific heat conditions, and the Smart Disassembly™ service, featuring industrial thermal systems that dissolve Smart Stitch™ threads without harming the fabric. This approach disassembles products up to 15 times faster, reclaiming double the materials and facilitating easier repair and recycling. Resortecs' Design for Disassembly not only minimizes waste but also fosters a robust circular economy. Collectors benefit from discarded clothing, sorters profit by selling materials to recyclers, and recyclers receive pure feedstock, enhancing yields and revenue. Brands gain through eco-modulation fees, meeting the growing demand for sustainable practices. This holistic approach accelerates the textile industry's circular transition at the pace Earth urgently needs.