It's official: SORTED is starting
SORTED officially receives the JTF subsidy.
Today, October 31, the deputy Bennema from the province of Groningen, deputy Meeuwissen from the province of Drenthe, and councilor Rink from the municipality of Emmen awarded the JTF subsidy to Charles Graft, director / manager of Sympany.
Fifteen partners, one mission
The textile sector is one of the most polluting industries in the world. This group of fifteen companies and organizations, from every part of the textile chain, will tackle this together over the next four years.
The joint mission: to build the textile chain of the future together.
Collaborating for structural change
Charles Graft is proud of the award: “This subsidy allows us to take a big step forward in making the textile chain circular. We do this with a unique consortium of fourteen parties – from recyclers and technologists to researchers and social entrepreneurs. Only together can we truly renew this chain.”
“This grant shows that Northern Netherlands takes serious action towards a sustainable economy,” the deputies and the alderman emphasize. “With SORTED, we invest in new technology, employment, and behavioral change. That is exactly what the Just Transition Fund is intended for.”
Five work packages for a circular textile chain
The SORTED project consists of five interconnected work packages. Sympany is working on automating the sorting of collected textiles using artificial intelligence and robots. Other partners focus on the high-quality chemical recycling of discarded textiles, where, for example, polyester fibers are reused as raw material for new clothing.
A third important aspect is behavioral change. Under the guidance of the University of Groningen, research is being conducted on how consumers can make their clothing use more sustainable – by buying less, better, and more consciously, as well as using and disposing of clothing thoughtfully.
Additionally, work is being done to establish new circular business models and to develop education and the labor market in the region.
About the Just Transition Fund
The Just Transition Fund (JTF) is a European subsidy program that provides financial support to regions that are most severely affected economically and socially by the transition to a climate-neutral economy.
In the Netherlands, six areas have been designated, including Groningen and Emmen. The fund focuses on promoting innovation, creating sustainable employment, and supporting the transition to a greener and more competitive industry.
