Circular Economy and Textile Recycling for Construction

Jointly with the French environmental consultancy Nomadeis as lead partner and ASBP members Back to Earth and Eden Renewable Innovations Ltd, ASBP is investigating the waste bedding sector and the potential reuse of a problematic waste source – polyester duvets, a waste product currently with poor recycling rates and sanitary issues.

During this two year project, which is still running until 2022, the project partners plan to:

• examine the sanitisation and re-fiberisation process for polyester duvets, with the aim of creating a feedstock for novel insulation materials.
• design and develop 3 prototype insulation products made from waste polyester fibres combined with natural fibres – sheep’s wool and hemp.
• test and deploy the 3 prototypes on pilot sites to assess their energy and environmental performances
• network and engage with key stakeholders such as the ASBP’s Natural Fibre Insulation Group and Plastics in Construction Group, to gather intelligence and help grow the market for low-carbon, natural (bio-based) and recycled fibre insulation (NRFI) materials
• undertake market intelligence of the insulation market to identify key markets and opportunities for growth for NRFI
• review the air quality and health & well-being benefits of NRFI. Disseminate the project findings and raise awareness of the benefits of NRFI amongst our diverse networks of construction professionals.