To challenge

The final work of my Post-Graduation in Sustainable Development, at Nova SBE, was born out of the need to find an answer to a domestic “problem”. What to do with the technical t-shirts given away at the competitions?

my project

To solve the "problem" at home, I started to develop a pilot project for my final work, taking into account everything I learned in Post-Graduation.

The technical t-shirts used for racing are made of polyester, a plastic resin that is obtained from petroleum, and therefore is a highly polluting material. However, it is an economical material, light, elastic and resistant to humidity, perfect for regular sports. The end of cycle of this product is guaranteed through incineration or accumulation in sanitary landfills.

The ideal would be to drastically reduce the consumption of this material. However, due to its low production cost and high yield efficiency, this product is unlikely to leave the market in the coming years. As it was impossible to reach a perfect solution, I looked for a solution that would allow this product to enter a circular economy circuit, through a relationship of maximum use and minimum waste.

This challenge becomes even more impactful when we know that the textile industry represents the fourth largest sector with a negative impact on the environment, being the third highest in the use of soil water. A truly frightening position, especially when, in Europe, only 1% of fabrics are recyclable. To reverse this trend, the European Union within the scope of the European Ecological Pact – towards carbon neutrality in 2050 – launched the Strategy for the Sustainability and Circularity of Textiles.

My idea is, therefore, to develop a project to collect racing jerseys, used in competitions, so that they, at the end of competitions, can be donated for recycling to subsequent competitions. Another way is to collect directly from specialty stores. In this way, in addition to saving space in wardrobes and chests of drawers in your homes, we will be collaborating towards better resource management, saving our planet from further aggression to its ecosystem.

What I need

There are no projects without their viability being tested. For the 1st phase of the project, to see if my idea is, in practice, feasible, I have to carry out tests at CITEVE (Technological Center dedicated to the Textile Industry). In this Centre, I will test the recycling of technical t-shirts through two tests, to verify whether the spinning process is viable and what the final destination of this yarn is.

The first evaluation test concerns the assessment of the suitability of the textile materials present in the sporting article in the face of the defibration process and obtaining a “new” fiber in the defibration machine;

The second evaluation test concerns the assessment of the ability of the “new” fiber to obtain new “recycled” yarns on the spinning line.

However, this whole study process has costs, and therefore I ask you directly: Do you want to help me in this process of changing one of the most polluting industries in the world? If you've made it this far, I'm sure you have. That's why I'll explain to you what the values are and how you can help me.

Aterros sanitários

About the author

My name is Maria João Faria, I'm 39 years old, I have 2 daughters and I'm in Post-Graduation to develop new skills in the area of Sustainability, one of my causes.

I consider myself a privileged person with everything I have achieved. As a person, I consider myself proactive, insightful and hardworking. I am lucky and fortunate to have embraced work projects that align with my passions, vision and where I know I can add value and create impact.

As a mother, I try to be a role model and work to create a better world for my daughters, where peace and nature play a prominent role. I am a volunteer, for others, but also for myself, as I realized that giving to others makes us do twice as much. That's why I actively participate in the Parents' Association at my daughters' school, and I bring joy to children hospitalized at Cascais Hospital through the Nuvem Vitória Project.

Apresentação do Pitch na Nova Sbe - Promotora

Budget and due dates

Proposal for carrying out recycling tests on the sports article made of 100% polyester (about 10 kg), more precisely:

1. Test to evaluate the suitability of the textile materials present in the sporting article to the defibration process and obtain a “new” fiber in the defibration machine;
2. Test to assess the ability of the “new” fiber to obtain new “recycled” yarns on the spinning line.

Price of the CITEVE service – €830.25

The PPL commission is €84.32

Total direct expenses: €830.25 + €84.32 = €914.57 (VAT included)

All other indirect study expenses, such as transportation, food, among others, will be borne by me.

Images