PROJECT R&D+I

TITLE
R4TEXTILES - DEVELOPMENT OF SUSTAINABLE TEXTILES BASED ON THE VALORIZATION
OF TEXTILE AND AGRO-FOOD WASTE

HIGHLIGHTS
Design and development of new textile solutions with incorporation of by-products of the
textile and agro-food industry

ABSTRACT
The R4Textiles project aims to develop sustainable textiles - reused and functional - based on the
valorization of textile and agro-food waste, inserting itself in the new paradigm of "circular
economy". The potential for valorization of by-products resulting from textile processing in
weaving processes is known for integration into new textile structures, although this is not yet
explored. As far as agro-food waste is concerned, there is work developed in the extraction of
functional ingredients, with applications in food, cosmetics and biomedical. These residues, rich
in proteins and polysaccharides, come from the meat and brewery industries, respectively,
presenting an enormous valorization potential in the textile finishing, for its intrinsic properties
(antimicrobial activity, prebiotic, antioxidant, among others).

In a current context of environmental awareness, RIOPELE intends to focus on a research strategy

that will lead to the adoption of sustainable policies, reducing environmental impact, based on
the valorization of textile waste (starting with those generated in its unit), and by-products of
agro-food industries. Both in the case of textile waste and in agro-food waste, there are
challenges in research, processing and its applicability in the production of new textile structures.

It is in this context that the R4Textiles project emerges, whose main objectives are:

1. Design and construction of new textile parts/structures based on textile waste - string, fabric
screens and fabrics, with or without pre-processing, for the elimination of elastane; 2. Production
of innovative functional fabrics incorporating ingredients extracted from agro-food waste to
obtain odor neutralizing functionality, and other valuable properties in textile finishing
(antimicrobial, prebiotic, antioxidant, antistatic, improved touch).

KEYWORDS
Circular Economy, Valorization of By-Products, Textiles, Food, Textile Innovation, Functional Textiles

PROMOTERS / PARTNERS
Escola Superior de Biotecnologia Universidade Catlica Portuguesa; RIOPELE; CeNTI; CITEVE

FINANCING PROGRAM EXECUTION DATE GLOBAL BUDGET

COMPETE2020 2016-2018 80 256,25

CONTACTS E-MAIL PHONE

Manuela Pintado mpintado@porto.ucp.pt +351 22 55 800 00