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The New Cotton project, of which Inovafil is part, ended. In a note on the website, the consortium shared the main lessons learned over the last three and a half years. Among the conclusions listed in eight key points is the need to create circular ecosystems involving the most varied actors in the supply chain.
But not only that, the document makes note of the need to design pieces designed for post-consumer reuse; scale existing sorting and recycling infrastructures, and improve the quality and accessibility of textile data.
But also the need for research continues, especially in the search for fibers with less impact on the environment; to create cohesive legislation and provide greater engagement with society so that consumers are better informed about what circularity entails.
“Throughout the project, the consortium worked to gather and separate end-of-life textiles. Using Infinited Fiber technology, we arrive at a new man-made cellulose-based fiber called Infinna, which looks and feels very similar to virgin cotton”, recalls the statement.
The resulting fiber was processed and transformed into different threads and fabric types, giving way to pieces sold by Adidas and H&M. A system for collecting and sorting post-consumer clothing was also implemented, and recycling was explored mechanically and chemically.
In a statement, the New Cotton consortium asks that the export of used fabrics be reconsidered given their potential. “We must share information more openly and move away from the linear fast fashion model”, says, encouraging the alignment of priorities and the creation of new services by brands, namely repairs, rental, and resale of parts.