The project focused on measuring the circularity of fifteen different apparel fabrics composed of different types of fibres of synthetic and organic origin, made with different percentages of recycled and virgin content.
The measurement of circularity considered material, energy and water aspects as well as the related process waste. Following the input and output approach, the most functional quantitative KPIs for the company were identified, also in relation to the reference standards. In order to have a complete view of the circularity aspects and the real recycling rate, different end-of-life scenarios were evaluated in relation to the different market solutions proposed by the company.
The results enabled the company to understand the entire measurement process and to take action to improve some of the critical issues that emerged. In a second phase of the project, the fabrics were used for the production of some traditional garments for which circularity was subsequently measured in order to evaluate the results, which were compared with those of the fabrics alone.
The circularity measurement activity was carried out with Matrec’s CircularTool and was based on the principles and requirements of the main regulations concerning the circular economy and, in particular, with respect to the specification developed by Matrec in cooperation with Bureau Veritas.