SORTED - Together we build the textile chain of the future

we are sorted

together we build

together we

build the

the

textile chain

of the

future

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this is sorted

SORTED is a collaboration of fifteen Northern Dutch partners with one mission: to make the textile chain circular and clean. For four years, we'll join forces to conduct groundbreaking innovations and research. What is unique is the multidisciplinary collaboration: all links in the chain participate, so we can achieve the best solutions.

1
Automated sorting of textiles
We are developing a robotic sorting line that recognizes and sorts textiles faster and smarter thanks to artificial intelligence. This reduces costs, increases quality, and will make reuse and recycling profitable.
2
Recycling into new fibers
We are improving and testing innovative chemical recycling technology to recycle cotton and polyester into new fibers. In this way, we close the loop and strengthen the regional recycling industry.
3
Developing new business models
Together with all parties in the textile value chain, we're developing a strong eco system for circular textiles in the northern region. We won't focus only on new business models and economic value but also on social impact.
4
Research and behavior change
We encourage residents to look at textiles differently and train people for circular jobs. Through research, campaigns and training, we improve the quality of collected textiles and employees in the Northern Netherlands.

Automated sorting of textiles

We are developing a robotic sorting line that recognizes and sorts textiles faster and smarter thanks to artificial intelligence. This reduces costs, increases quality, and will make reuse and recycling profitable.

Recycling into new fibers

We are improving and testing innovative chemical recycling technology to recycle cotton and polyester into new fibers. In this way, we close the loop and strengthen the regional recycling industry.

Developing new business models

Together with all parties in the value chain, we are developing a strong eco system for circular textiles in the northern region. We'll not only focus on new business models and economic value but also on social impact.

Research and behavior change

We encourage residents to look at textiles differently and train people for circular jobs. Through research, campaigns, and training, we improve the quality of collected textiles and employees in the Northern Netherlands.

The challenge

We're faced with a vast mountain of textiles, each item unique: different fabrics, colors, and qualities all mixed together. Sorting them is anything but simple. From opening bags to identifying fabrics and assessing them correctly (reuse or recycle), it's a complex and intensive process.

bandana

jacket

towel

pants

hug

duvet

parachute

blazer

cuddly toys

hat

headband

cap

dress

wristband

sail

gloves

skirt

tablecloth

coat

sweater

underwear

shirt

lingerie

sleeping bag

curtains

hoodie

tie

shoes

t-shirt

handkerchief

scarf

legging

cap

bags

What happens to the collected textiles?

70%

reuse

20%

recycling

10%

waste

OUR MISSION

The mission of SORTED is to make the textile chain circular and cleaner. A lot is already happening, but to truly realize this and to be ready for the future, many innovations and research need to be undertaken. From automating textile sorting to changing consumer behavior: every part of the chain will be worked on.

Fifteen companies and organizations in the north (supported by a grant from the Joint Transition Fund) are joining forces in the coming years to achieve this and to give Northern Netherlands a leading position in this area.

The mission of SORTED is to make the textile chain circular and cleaner. A lot is already being done, but to truly realize this and to be ready for the future, many innovations and research need to be carried out. From automating textile sorting to changing consumer behavior: work will be done on every part of the textile chain.

Fifteen companies and organizations in the north of The Netherlands (supported by a grant from the Just Transition Fund) will join forces in the coming years to achieve this and to give Northern Netherlands a leading position in this area.

Together we create circular impact

With strong partners from industry, education, and government, we accelerate the transition to a circular economy. Discover how we achieve innovative solutions with these frontrunners.

Sympany

Textile collector and sorter

Sympany

RECELL GROUP

Cellulose recovery from waste textiles

RECELL GROUP

Cellicon

Sensors for fiber recognition

Cellicon

CIORC

Practice labs for circular innovation

CIORC

CuRe Technology

Chemical recycling of polyester

CuRe Technology

DEMCON

Developer sorting technology and machines

DEMCON

Textile4Ever

Revaluation of used textiles

Textile4Ever

BioFashionTech

Development of biobased fibers

BioFashionTech

TO OUR PARTNERS

the latest SORTED news:

200 students think: how to reduce fast fashion?

200 First-year students from NHL Stenden University in Leeuwarden took on a challenging briefing: how do we get young people away from fast fashion ... think big!

Why SORTED is needed: "The textile chain needs to be smarter, more affordable, and circular"

The textile chain needs to change. More discarded textiles, declining quality, and high costs make the current system unsustainable. With SORTED, partners from the entire chain work together on smart technology, better sorting, and high-quality recycling. In this interview, Charles Graft and Sven Jurgens explain why collaboration and innovation are crucial for a circular textile chain.