WP6 focuses on demonstrating practical applications of traceability in the textile industry by developing and testing innovative methods for sorting textiles for reuse and recycling. This work package addresses the need for efficient material flows in the circular economy by leveraging digital technologies like RFID tags and Digital Product Passports (DPPs). Supported by a broad coalition of industry actors, WP6 aims to provide real-world solutions that enhance decision-making in textile waste sorting and recycling processes.

Key objectives of WP6 include creating a seamless integration of traceability tools into textile products, ensuring that these tools can function effectively throughout the product lifecycle. By doing so, WP6 seeks to improve recycling efficiency, minimize waste, and support the industry’s transition to more sustainable practices. Activities and deliverables:

1. Requirement analysis:
   • Gather and analyze specific requirements for RFID tags, including attributes like size, flexibility, durability, washability, and readability.
   • Document these requirements to guide the design and testing phases.
2. Design and prototyping:
   • Develop and produce prototypes of sustainability-adapted RFID tags tailored for textile integration.
   • Ensure the tags can track materials effectively, identify their composition, and provide recycling or reuse information.
3. Testing and validation:
   • Perform extensive testing of RFID tags integrated into textiles, focusing on their readability, durability, and performance under various conditions, such as washing and wear.
   • Analyze data points from these tests to refine the design and optimize functionality.
4. Pilot implementation:
   • Conduct pilot tests using automated sorting technologies for textile waste, evaluating the efficiency of the proposed solutions in real-life scenarios.
   • Collaborate with industry stakeholders to validate the feasibility of integrating DPP data into sorting processes.
5. Knowledge sharing and recommendations:
   • Publish results and insights from the pilot tests, including recommendations for implementing traceability solutions in the textile sector.
   • Provide feedback on the potential for scaling these solutions to other industries or sectors.

WP6 aims to demonstrate how digital tools like RFID and DPPs can transform the textile value chain by enabling effective sorting and recycling. By addressing key challenges in traceability, this work package supports the broader goals of SwePass to foster innovation, enhance material recovery, and contribute to the circular economy.