ARPE, a partner of Tèxtils.CAT, specialized in the manufacture, printing, and design of microfiber products, is once again ahead of its competitors by developing a new microfiber fabric made from yarn derived from post-consumer plastic bottles and recycled polyester fibers. This new fabric is an evolution of the one previously used.
The new fabric maintains the same structure but will now be composed of 100% polyester, also certified by Oeko-Tex. With this new material, brighter colors and improved colorfastness are achieved. For now, only towels and cushions with digital printing will incorporate this new material.
In this way, the new recycled material allows for the development of environmentally friendly products without sacrificing quality. In terms of energy consumption, water usage, and CO2 emissions, the production of yarn from recycled material has a much lower impact compared to conventional methods.
The development of more sustainable products aligns with the company’s strategic plan “Ready for the Coming Future” 2017-2020, which aims to integrate ecodesign and circular economy principles throughout the company.
With the collaboration of Tèxtils.CAT, ARPE was one of the 207 European companies selected in the latest 2018 call for the SME Instrument program (Horizon 2020). The project aims to develop a disruptive new business model that integrates the life cycle management of towels used in gyms and other communities produced by the company, focusing on a circular economy approach to provide multiple uses for the product and ensure economic valuation at all stages of the process.