Break-up Lab

Description

The Break-up Lab is dedicated to the end of an emotional relationship: that between the textile and its former owners. In collaboration with research institutes and textile recycling stakeholders, sustainable recycling processes are being developed for used textiles containing polyester fibres. Using the PHL7 enzyme, PET fibres can be broken down in a biotechnological process within minutes. The recovered polymer building blocks are then converted by bacteria into a biodegradable plastic (PHA). Yarns and additives made from PHA facilitate the separation of impurities and enable fibre-to-fibre recycling processes. Two recyclable garments demonstrate the aesthetic and functional potential and show how biotechnological processes can be used to close regional material cycles for used textiles. The lab is also initiating a more transparent infrastructure for the collection of used textiles based on EU directives.