In its current state, the technical textile production chain is almost entirely linear, with a large and detrimental environmental footprint as a major waste producer, consumer of water resources, and emitter of microplastics. In particular, Polypropylene (PP) generally has a very low recycling rate, while multi-material systems further complicate circularity. With the aim of tackling these challenges, the project Resource Nexus method development for circular economic-ecological sustainability assessment of the zPP-process chain investigates Resource Nexus-based methodologies for the circular, economic, and ecological assessment of the process chain, to create innovative solutions for the development and manufacturing of circular, sustainable technical textiles made from polypropylene. The findings will then be translated into policy recommendations. This work shall include the definition of objectives, the development and integration of circularity indicators, the thorough undertaking of Life Cycle Assessment and Life Cycle Costing methodologies, and a further development of microplastic indicators. A special emphasis will also be placed on the ability to interpret and integrate the Resource Nexus Approach into these indicators, so that resource dependencies, trade-offs and synergies can be identified and managed; this shall be aided by scenario development, sensitivity and risk analyses. In zPP, we shall collaborate with several partners from industry and research to explore methods of production (quality analysis, mechanical or thermal recycling, fibre and textile production), (re-) use, as well as the collection and distribution of secondary materials. The main products to be investigated include textile tapes, curtains, filters, protection textiles and flooring.
This project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung, BMBF).
