From textile waste to resource: a methodological approach of research and experimentation

The transition to a circular economy shifts the focus onto reusing, renewing and recycling existing materials and products, considering waste as a resource. In this context, the article aims to describe the life cycle approach's potential for the development of new building products from textile waste, one of the most environmentally impacting activities at global level, both in relation to the processes that characterise the supply chain and in relation to pre and post-consumption waste. The article outlines the research methodology adopted by the Cluster "From textile waste to resource" of the Department of Architecture and Design, Politecnico di Torino, through the description of research projects carried out in partnership with Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). In particular, it highlights the methodological approach adopted, in a "grave to cradle" logic, in which the waste from one process becomes a new resource for another. The article highlights some open issues related to limits and potential of the use of life cycle approach as a “tool” to compare different options in a preliminary experimental research phase, to verify the environmental impacts of new materials and products made from recycled materials, to compare new options with similar solutions available on the market.