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Project title

PUreTex: Creating Polyurethane Insulation from Recycled Textiles

Primary Funding Agency

Science Foundation Ireland

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

Lead Organisation

Dublin City University

Lead Applicant

Not listed

Project Abstract

Within the EU, it is estimated that 5.8 million tonnes of textiles are discarded year, with 74% of those post-consumer �waste� textiles ending up in landfill or incineration. That's equivalent to 60 garbage truckloads of clothes being burned or buried in landfill every minute. Moreover, the with ambitious target of being carbon neutral by 2050, and the need to move away from materials produced from virgin oil-based materials, the insulation industry in Ireland is seeing a steady increase in demand for insulation materials which can be manufactured in a more sustainable way. The PUreTex project will investigate the chemical recycling of low quality, post-consumer polyester textile waste to produce high-value monomers in high yields and with high purity. The team will also engage with stakeholders, end-users and beneficiaries on the issue of over consumption of textiles and 'fast-fashion', working to develop a deeper understanding of waste textile streams, the need for energy efficient homes, and building sustainable communities. The PUreTex team, will play a pivotal role in connecting the dots between scientists, the public, the textile waste industry, the insulation industry, community leaders and policy makers, to enact transformative change around the sustainable use and management of textiles in Ireland.

Grant Approved

�320,843.00

Research Hub

Climate Change

Research Theme

3. Climate Solutions, Transition Management and Opportunities

Start Date

01/09/2023

Initial Projected Completion Date

28/02/2025