TexMaTer aims at producing novel cellulosic fibres and bioformulations for textiles’ finishing using under-utilised biomass resources and wastes from agricultural practices and micro- and macroalgal production (typically rich in cellulose and other bioactive compounds) and post-consumer home textiles (as an extra source of cellulose). These functional and sustainable solutions will be further used in prototypes for fashion and home textiles’ markets. The project covers all steps required to produce novel cellulosic fibres and functional textiles for the envisaged markets: from the obtention and transformation of raw materials for application in textile production processes, to fibres/yarns production and bioformulations development (at laboratory, pilot and industrial scales), ending with eco-design and prototypes manufacture. To ensure recyclability and circularity of the developed solutions, and an efficient uptake of the products by the consumer, the development of TexMaTer products will be designed considering promising End-of-Life (EoL) alternatives and also functionality, safety, environmental sustainability and social and economic benefits for consumers. Consumer behaviour studies and raising-awareness actions are also planned, thus contributing to increase consumers’ acceptance for the developed products. By incorporating bio-based resources and promoting the upcycling of post-consumer textiles, TexMaTer will increase the competitiveness of the textile & clothing industry (T&CI), significantly reducing the negative environmental impacts commonly associated to this sector: 1) the intensive use of synthetic fibres, virgin cotton and wood-based cellulose (whose production is responsible for high CO2 emissions, water consumption and contamination, and inappropriate forest management, respectively); and 2) the overutilisation of synthetic dyes and chemicals in textile finishing processes (which are typically rejected in textile wastewaters and recalcitrant).

Every second, the equivalent of one garbage truck of textiles is landfilled or burned at a huge environmental and societal cost. Textile production is one of the most polluting industries, producing 1.2 billion tons of CO2e per year – more than international flights and maritime shipping. Apparel consumption is projected to rise to 102 million tons by 2030 – a 63% increase equivalent to more than 500 billion T-shirts. As a result, the challenges this project is targeting to solve are becoming even more critical. The textile industry - along with government officials, environmental organizations, and consumers - agree that it’s imperative to make a change towards sustainable production and consumption. There’s a will and an urgent call for change. Existing solutions cannot recycle the growing piles of discarded textiles. There hasn’t been a feasible alternative on the market that would be affordable, environmentally sustainable and provide the required mechanical properties and functionality. Infinited Fiber Company’s cellulose carbamate technology enables textile waste that is currently burned or landfilled to be turned into cost efficient, cotton-like fiber with superior qualities. The patented process can digest cotton rich textile waste (including mixed fibers) and other cellulose based waste feedstocks. The diverse feedstock range is a technological advantage diminishing the need for virgin raw materials. This project will demonstrate that circular, sustainable production and consumption can be a reality. Bringing together the whole circular textile value chain, we will demonstrate an approach where post-consumer waste textiles are recycled with the IFC technology into new fibers and textiles with considerably lower environmental impact while fulfilling brand and consumer performance requirements. In collaboration with leading global brands, the regenerated New Cotton textiles are converted to apparel and launched to consumers to validate their market.