Is your company seeking new ways to process textile waste and improve your textile shredding process? A new era of textile waste processing is beginning, especially in Europe, where the aim is to reduce textile waste through a circular economy. Textiles should not be seen as disposable waste but as valuable raw materials that can be reused in various applications.
Textile recycling creates new opportunities for businesses. Recycling requirements often encourage companies to develop innovative ways to utilize textile fibers. Is your company participating in this?
Learn why textile recycling is a growing circular economy business opportunity and how a high-performance textile shredding machine can help you launch a new business efficiently.
At Saalasti, we support new ways to utilize textile fibers. The key is technology and machines that enable industrial-scale textile processing to be scaled flexibly and cost-effectively. Our high-performance shredding machines can significantly improve your textile recycling process. These machines are designed to meet the emerging industrial need for efficient and cost-effective textile processing.
EU regulations driving the change in textile fiber recycling
The amount of textile waste is a global problem, and the EU has taken decisive action to prevent waste mountains. The figures show that now is indeed the right time.
The European textile industry generates over 16 million tons of textile waste annually, with only about 25% recycled. According to EU statistics, approximately 5 million tonnes of clothing are discarded each year in the EU—around 12kg per person—with only 1% of material in clothing being recycled into new clothing.
To address this growing challenge, the EU has implemented the Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles as part of the European Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan.
Key regulatory developments include:
- Separate collection of textile waste will be mandatory across all EU member states.
- Textile waste should be processed within Europe rather than exported to other regions.
- By 2030, all textile products placed on the EU market must be durable, repairable, and recyclable.
- Products will need to include significant recycled fiber content.
- New products must be free of hazardous substances and produced respecting social rights and the environment.
These regulations represent both a challenge and an opportunity.
Textile recycling has a lot of industrial opportunities
With new EU regulations demanding local processing of textile waste and only 1% of clothing currently recycled into new garments, textile shredding represents a crucial opportunity for forward-thinking businesses.
Companies must adapt their waste management processes. However, they can also explore new revenue streams through new opportunities, with EU data suggesting that 20 to 35 jobs can be created for each 1000 tonnes of textiles collected for reuse.
What to do with shredded textile fiber?
Textile waste can be processed for a variety of applications. Modern textile shredding machines can handle different materials, including various fibrous substances and textiles such as cotton and blended fabrics.
When processed with a textile shredder, waste textiles become valuable resources. The separated fibers can be repurposed for numerous applications, including:
- Raw material for new textile production
- Building insulation
- Automotive components
- Furniture padding
- Composite materials
Where could your company further refine textile fiber? We’re happy to participate in the planning process that considers the desired properties of the textile fiber.
Advanced textile shredding machine solutions
Investing in large-scale production requires efficient machines for a new textile recycling business. This is where Saalasti’s expertise becomes essential.
Saalasti Cutter V, initially designed for demanding biomass applications, has proven remarkably effective as a textile shredding machine.
This versatile equipment features our innovative Multitool rotor system that allows for easy adaptation to different materials—including various types of textiles:
- Cotton fabrics
- Synthetic fibers
- Blended textiles
- Production scraps
- Post-consumer clothing
Key advantages of using Saalasti Cutter V for shredding textiles include:
- Adaptability: The Multitool rotor system can be configured for various textile fiber types.
- High-capacity processing: Handles industrial volumes efficiently (capacity 30–450 loose m3 per hour as needed).
- Energy efficiency: Electric motor design can help save energy and fossil fuels.
- Robust construction: Built for continuous industrial operation with minimal downtime.
- EasyRelease technology ensures that even materials that are difficult to process are cut properly.
Shredded textiles before and after:
Saalasti machines are built to last and evolve with changes if the need to process new fibrous materials arises.
The Saalasti textile shredder machine efficiently converts textiles into fibers suitable for new production processes. Our machines can handle materials ranging from clean textile scraps to post-consumer clothing, producing consistent, high-quality fiber output.
Learn more about the machine: Industrial Wood Cutter
Read also how our subsidiary’s automatic baling, dewiring and bale opener solutions can boost the processing of textile fiber: Cross Wrap & textile recycling.
Validate your materials with textile fiber testing
Can the textile shredder machine handle your material effectively? Let’s test it! We can test the suitability of almost any fibrous biomass for our machine before purchase so you can be sure the solution works for you.
Read more about our testing laboratory here.
By incorporating a textile fiber shredding machine into your operations, you not only comply with upcoming sustainability regulations but also create new value streams and contribute to the circular economy.
Ready to explore new textile fiber business opportunities?
Would your company like to learn more about the benefits of textile shredding for your operations? Are you seeking partners to enhance your new business?
Contact our team to discuss your needs and discover how our textile shredding machines can help transform textile waste into valuable resources.
¢