A consortium led by the Royal College of Art (RCA) has received £5.4 million (equivalent to US$7.1 million) from the British government to establish the UK Textile Circulation Center (TCC) , the center will explore ways to convert post-consumer textiles into renewable raw materials and develop new supply chains.
This four-year award is funded by the Interdisciplinary Circular Economy Centers Programme, led by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). One of the first circular economy hubs in the world, the scheme explores how waste materials from textiles, construction and other industries can be reused, which would bring huge environmental benefits and boost the UK economy.
The Textile Circulation Center (TCC) provides material safety recommendations for the UK through the circular flow of textile resources. The work includes converting post-consumer second-hand textiles, agricultural waste, and household waste into renewable materials for textiles.
The Royal College of Art (RCA) said: This initiative will stimulate the innovation and economic growth of the British textile manufacturing industry, small and medium-sized garment industry and creative technology industry. , while reducing dependence on imports, environmentally and ethically impactful materials, and promoting supply chain diversification.
TCC will provide the basic understanding of the research, transform the industry towards a circular economy model, and support brands to fully invest in “designed and made in the UK” Target. To realize this vision, we will leverage innovative technologies in materials and product manufacturing, supply chain design, and consumer experience to promote the growth of the fashion and textile industry by supporting small and medium-sized fashion communities.
RCA added that this system-integrated approach brings green work onto the agenda, eliminates the risk of textile waste being sent to landfill and incinerators, and improves resources capacity, reduce carbon emissions and environmental harm, provide alternatives for converting waste into energy, and enhance the development of the UK bioeconomy.
TCC research plan contains three interconnected research blocks:
(1) Material recycling : An integrated method will be established to convert waste materials into recycling uses, that is, recycling textile waste into new functional textiles). Biotechnology transforms waste materials into the basis for the production of new polymers and fibers, while innovations in the manufacturing and design of circular textiles will drive the manufacturing process through technology, making it possible to utilize local materials on site.
(2) Circular supply chain: Through the optimization of circular supply chain tools, a closed, narrow and slow resource flow is established. Its research focuses on what novel supply chain configurations and technologies are needed for a circular supply chain of bio-based textiles.
(3) Consumer experience: Through the Product Cultures Lab and the Circular CX Framework, establish the connection between resource flows and human well-being. sex, use this correlation to design consumer experience, let people participate in product-related interactions, meaningful connections, joint creativity and the continuation of sustainable culture, and transform the sustainable product cycle from the role of “consumer” to The role of “active co-creator”.
The “RCA Materials Science Research Center” (MaterialsScienceResearchCentre) led by Professor Sharon Baurley won the bid, together with experts from Cranfield University and the University of Cambridge ), scientists and researchers from University College London, University of Leeds, University of Manchester, University of York, and RCA Computer Science Research Center and School of Communication , establishing the Textile Circulation Center (TCC).
Dr. Paul Thompson, Vice-President of the Royal College of Art (RCA), said that as soon as the news was announced, we are increasingly aware of the impact of fast fashion and the textile industry on our environment and society. bring negative impact.
Professor Baurley, Director of the RCA Textile Circularity Center, added: The fashion industry brings huge negative costs to the environment and humans. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly weakened the link between human activities and environmental damage. The time is ripe to explore alternative models in the fashion apparel industry. The circular economy system we launched aims to introduce a new relationship between materials and human well-being, and to introduce innovative recycled fibers and textiles to the small and medium-sized fashion industry in the UK and around the world.
At the same time, Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said that creating a more circular economic model for waste and resources is a key core of the government’s environmental reform agenda. These new research centers play a vital role in creating a cleaner, more sustainable waste industry, which will help us better protect the environment and shape a better future for the next generation.
