The Waste Cluster (CREC) visited the Formació i Treball facility in Sabadell as part of the activities of its Textile Waste Working Group. The visit provided an opportunity to gain first-hand insight into a model that combines circular economy principles, technological innovation, and social impact, while also creating a valuable space for exchange and discussion among the participating companies and organizations.
A Key Textile Sorting Process for Reuse
During the visit, cluster members toured the facility and observed the manual textile sorting process, an essential stage in ensuring the highest possible recovery and valorisation of materials. This process includes the classification of different types of textiles, shoe pairing, and the sorting of garments according to their condition, such as new, second-hand, or vintage items.
This detailed work helps extend the lifespan of products by prioritizing reuse and reducing waste generation, while also contributing to the social and labour inclusion of people in vulnerable situations.
Technological Innovation: Sorting with Fibersort
One of the highlights of the visit was the presentation of the Fibersort technology, an innovative solution that uses near-infrared technology to classify textiles according to their material composition. This tool accelerates the sorting process, improves operational efficiency, and creates new opportunities for fibre recovery and textile recycling.
The integration of technologies such as Fibersort is essential for advancing towards a more efficient, scalable, and circular model of textile waste management.
A Space for Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing
The visit concluded with a working session involving the companies participating in the group, where experiences, challenges, and potential areas for collaboration in the field of textile waste were discussed. This exchange provided an opportunity to explore the sector’s current challenges in greater depth and identify joint opportunities to promote innovation and continuous improvement projects.
At CREC, we would like to thank Formació i Treball for their hospitality and willingness to host the visit, as well as all the companies in the working group that actively participated in the session. Initiatives such as this reinforce the cluster’s role as a platform for connection, knowledge sharing, and the promotion of sustainable solutions for the waste sector.
Would You Like to Join the Textile Waste Working Group?
CREC’s Textile Waste Working Group is a collaborative space for companies, organizations, and stakeholders across the value chain who want to anticipate sector challenges, share knowledge, and promote innovation and circular economy projects.
👉 If you would like to participate in the group’s activities and actively contribute to the transformation of the textile sector, we encourage you to become a member of CREC.
Being part of the cluster will allow you to connect with key stakeholders, access collaborative projects, and stay up to date with the latest developments and opportunities in the waste sector.
