UPTextIL - Upcycling cellulose from used textiles into high-strength filaments using spinning technology in ionic liquids

Running time

01.02.2024 – 31.01.2027

Starting point / motivation

Due to sociological developments, textiles are being used for ever shorter periods of time, so efficient and economical processes for recycling used textiles are urgently needed. The project aims to lay the foundations for closing the material cycle of cellulose from used textiles. The aim of the project is to develop a process for spinning cellulose from used textiles, to analyze potential impurities in this recycling material stream and to develop strategies for removing or avoiding them during the spinning process. The core of the innovation is a novel spinning process for cellulose from used textiles using ionic liquids for upcycling into high-quality cellulose filament fibers that can replace PET in the textile industry.

Contents and goals

In a collaboration between HeiQ AeoniQ, BOKU and Proionic, the foundations are to be laid through industrial research in order to be able to produce high-quality cellulose filaments for sustainable products from 100% secondary raw materials. This is linked to an analysis of the end and by-products of the new process as well as the development of separation processes for impurities and methods for quality assurance. The fibers obtained can replace synthetic materials in the apparel industry and are endlessly reusable and recyclable.

Expected results / conclusions

The development of a process for dissolving and spinning cellulose from waste textiles in ionic liquid is the expected result of this project. The project is expected to identify the relevant process parameters for dissolving and spinning on a laboratory scale, which can then be developed on an industrial scale in follow-up projects. The life cycle assessment of the process will be considered from the outset and a viable business model for yarns made from secondary raw materials will be developed.

Project management

Dr. Enrique Herrero Acero
HeiQ AeoniQ GmbH

Project partners

• proionic GmbH
• Universität für Bodenkultur Wien (BOKU) - Institut für Chemie nachwachsender Rohstoffe

Dr. Enrique Herrero Acero
Adress: Industriestraße 35 3130 Herzogenburg Niederösterreich
Telefon: +43 664 3859 782
E-Mail: enrique.herrero-acero@heiq.com
www.heiq-aeoniq.com