At Hilaturas Jesús Rubio, we have long been convinced that the future of the textile industry lies in doing things differently. That is why we have joined the CISUTAC pilot scheme, an initiative spearheaded by TEXFOR that aims to incorporate recycled polyester into the production of blankets.
A project to give fibre a new lease of life
The aim of the pilot project is to demonstrate that recycled materials can play a genuine role in everyday textile products. In our case, the focus is on blankets: a product where the feel, comfort and performance of the fabric are essential, and where any change in raw materials must be up to scratch.
New yarns, optimum performance
Our contribution to the project focuses on the development of new yarns that combine recycled polyester with other fibres. This combination enables us to strike a balance between sustainability and quality, whilst seeking the best possible performance in the final product.
It is not simply a matter of substituting one material for another, but of researching and fine-tuning each blend so that the blanket reaching the consumer meets their expectations, with the added benefit of having been made from recycled material.
The entire value chain, working towards the same goal
One of the key aspects of this project is that it encompasses the entire value chain:
- Recycling: the starting point, where waste is turned into raw materials.
- Pre-treatment: the process required to ensure that the recycled fibre can be processed reliably.
- Yarn production: our speciality, where we develop yarns and yarn blends.
- Textile application: the final transformation into blankets ready for the market.
It is when all the links work in a coordinated manner that we can bring things full circle and move from theory to practice.
The circular economy: a reality
Talking about the circular economy is easy; putting it into practice in industry is not so straightforward. Initiatives such as CISUTAC show that it is possible, provided there is collaboration between companies and organisations in the sector and a firm commitment to innovation.
For us, taking part in this pilot scheme is another step along a path we have already set out on: continuing to promote more sustainable textiles.
We’ll be sharing updates as the project progresses. Stay tuned!