Background
In Finland, the obligation for separate collection of textiles came into force at the beginning of 2023. In the EU, this obligation entered into force on 1 January 2025. The obligation reduces the amount of textiles ending up in mixed waste and increases the amount of collected textiles. According to the waste hierarchy, the primary goal is to prevent waste generation through various measures before a product becomes waste.
In Finland, approximately 87,000 tonnes of discarded textiles are generated annually, of which only about 20% are reused or recycled. End-of-life textiles refer to worn-out textiles that can no longer be used as such or repaired for reuse. Among the textiles collected from companies and consumers, fibre blends, textiles containing elastane, and multilayer textiles are particularly challenging for recycling due to their large volumes and the fact that they mainly complicate the recycling process.
In construction, textiles are used, among other things, as protective covers and nets, as geotextiles in drainage systems, as frost insulation, and in embankment construction. Other construction textiles are made from non-woven fabrics by coating or laminating them with plastic, wood, or metal. Such products include felt roofs, wall panels, sound and thermal insulation materials, and acoustic boards. Concrete can also be reinforced with fibre masses or fibre structures.
Objective
The main objective of the project is to promote the utilization of end-of-life textiles in the construction sector and in the manufacture of construction products. The sub-objectives supporting the main goal are:
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Development of a digital tool combining material and data flows: The tool integrates material and data flows of recycled textiles used in the construction industry, improves the predictability of material recyclability, and reduces waste generation.
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Creation of new circular economy ecosystems: Establishing new ecosystems and networks between textile and fashion industry companies, discarded textile operators, real estate and construction sector companies, and universities of applied sciences.
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Preparation of procurement practice proposals: Developing proposals for utilizing recycled textile fibres in public procurement in the construction sector.
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Demonstration of construction product manufacturing from end-of-life textiles.
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Dissemination of results and best practices: Sharing new knowledge, networks, and good practices nationally for the benefit of various stakeholders.
Impact
The project promotes the circular economy and carbon neutrality by connecting actors from the textile and fashion industries and the real estate and construction industries. Utilizing end-of-life textiles in long-lasting products reduces waste and environmental impacts while increasing resource efficiency. The recycling rate in both the textile and construction sectors improves. Through digital solutions, material management becomes more efficient, and public procurement supports sustainable solutions. The project creates potential for new sustainable business opportunities and, in the future, strengthens the ability of industry actors to implement circular economy principles.
Funding
The project receives funding from the European Regional Development Fund.
Project duration: 1 September 2025 – 31 August 2027.
Partners
Textile and Fashion Finland (Suomen tekstiili ja muoti)
Finnish Construction Industry (Rakennusteollisuus)
Helsinki Region Environmental Services (HSY)