ESDI and Teixits Torné, in collaboration with MODACC, are participating in a new innovation project to develop openwork fabrics from post-consumer recycled wool yarns and explore their application in future fashion collections.
The initiative, subsidised by the Catalan Waste Agency (ARC), seeks to advance the creation of a new circular value chain within the Catalan textile industry, transforming textile waste into new materials with industrial and commercial potential.
The project builds on the results of CIRCULARWOOL, a previous initiative that developed yarns with a high wool content derived from post-consumer textile waste. Initial tests focused on knitwear applications and, while demonstrating significant environmental potential, revealed some challenges related to the material’s softness, comfort, and durability.
This new phase investigates the behaviour of yarns in openwork fabric structures and experiments with different finishing processes to improve both their technical and sensory properties.
From material to design: experimentation and new applications
Throughout the project, different fabric prototypes will be developed and treatments will be tested aimed at improving aspects such as softness, dimensional stability, pilling resistance, color fastness and durability during use and washing.
In this process, Teixits Torné contributes its industrial experience in weaving and the development of recycled fabrics, while ESDI participates in the conceptualisation and creation of demonstrative garments and textile objects, involving specialised students and teachers.
This phase will allow us to explore the material from the perspective of design practice and to see how its properties can be translated into real products and applications within the fashion sector.
For its part, MODACC – Clúster Català de la Moda facilitates the connection of the project with companies in the sector and helps to compare developments with the real needs of the market.
Designing new opportunities for post-consumer wool
One of the main challenges of the project is to demonstrate that post-consumer wool textile waste can be reincorporated into the production system, transformed into new valuable materials.
The initiative thus contributes to reducing dependence on virgin raw materials, giving new life to textile waste and promoting more circular and local production models, connecting technical innovation, design and industry.
Expected results include the development of up to 20 fabric prototypes, the validation of materials with at least five fashion companies, and the creation of demonstration pieces to showcase their application possibilities.
The project is part of ESDI’s line of work on sustainability, ecodesign and applied research, promoting projects that connect academic knowledge with the environmental and productive challenges of the industry.
