Textile Fibers & recycling

The demand for sustainable textile fibres is growing quickly globally. The textile industry has started its journey toward creating sustainable and circular models mainly derived from the increased awareness of consumers as well as from the new regulations on both EU and global levels. There are many initiatives and innovative development projects already active at different tiers of the textile value chain. There is an urgency for either evaluation, scale-up, or development of existing processes and technologies.

But how to make the textile industry and entire fashion industry lifecycle more sustainable?

Going beyond cotton and fossil-based materials is only a part of the solution. Critical elements on the path towards higher sustainability are implementing circular solutions with efficient recycling systems and regenerating textile fibres. With the growing global demand for clothes and textiles, there is an urgent need to transform textile production and consumption to make them more sustainable. Man-made cellulosic fibres offer the fashion industry a viable option for more sustainable solutions.

We at AFRY support our clients in identifying and implementing business opportunities across the textile value chain. We work closely with our clients and assist them throughout the whole process, from evaluating project feasibility to design and project implementation.

The consumption of wood-based textile fibres is estimated to grow considerably

The global production of the man-made cellulosic fibres (MMCF) continues to grow with a higher rate compare to the total textile fibres. There are many emerging technologies under development for the production of high quality MMCF, which are addressing the environmental and processing instability issues of the commercial MMCFs. Although the majority of novel textile fibres are still in relatively early stages of development, commercialisation is accelerated by partnerships in the value chain. AFRY is working closely with the entire ecosystem including technology companies, textile companies and traditional pulp and paper companies, that are transforming their production towards textile fibers.

AFRY's unique competence covers the entire process from forest to textiles and recycling of textile fibers. We are professional to ensure that forestry management and wood-based raw materials are sourced without risk to biodiversity. We are your partner in all phases of new production unit implementation, from feasibility studies and market analysis to project deliveries and support during plant operations.

Bio-based industry and circular solutions together are the game changer

By increasing the value of bio-based materials, reducing waste and embracing circular solutions, we will reach higher resource efficiency. Consumers require fashion companies to reduce their environmental impact through new technologies and innovations for the circular economy. One important element is the recycling of textile fibers which is a path towards a more sustainable fashion.

AFRY has strong competence both in the mechanical and chemical recycling of textiles. We have been actively working with process technology developers as well as recycling companies and supported them to find suitable solutions both in recycling cellulosic fibers and PET fibers.

Textile industry value chain has unlocked potential to improve the collaboration

The conventional textile value chain is very complicated and scattered, having many players involved at different levels. One key factor for revolutionising the textile industry is the collaboration between different players e.g. fiber producers, brand owners and collection & recycling companies.

AFRY at your service

Our deep understanding and competence in cellulosic fibres, our track record of long-standing cooperation with the world's largest pulp producers, combined with the extensive process industry and project execution experience, makes us a unique partner for textile clients in accelerating their bio-based fibers to scalable commercial production. We serve clients in assessing the maturity of textile fibre technologies, in modelling the competitiveness of man-made cellulosic fibres in relation to other fibres, and in discussing renewable textile fibre needs with brand owners. Our pre-investment study services provide an independent base for investment decisions combining all essential elements of an industrial project – technical, economic, commercial and environmental matters topped up with risk analysis.

We at AFRY, with several successful projects in textile fibers as well as textile recycling, can provide unique service offerings to the producers and brand owners in the textile industry sector in the following areas globally: