Investigating Wool Keratin Chemical Recycling as a Part of Applying a Circular Business Approach

The main goal of the Re-generated Wool Project is to investigate the possibility to chemically recycling low grade Norwegian wool and other keratin-rich by products such as feather into higher value material that cab be used in textile applications. The project managed to develop a new process to dissolve the keratin-rich raw materials and extract the keratin chains, and then forming a solution fraction that can be processed further to form a re-generated protein material. There are several high end applications that can be of a potential use areas and now the work is being done to finalise the trials results of this textile conversion. The process developed in this project is also being studied to be implemented in circular a business model, and current work involves designing the process into one stage to combine the extraction and dope formation. The project partners are working towards improving the spinning process and runnability of the regeneration process and keeping biodegradability of the material in mind.

The project did manage to create a new process where low grade wool fibres can be chemically regenerated into a new material. The project also achieved textile conversion, where this material was converted into a new filament yarns. The project also investigated the possibility to convert the yarn into fabrics. The application of this process beyond textile application was also shown possible on lab scale.

A transition from a linear economy to a circular one will be necessary to tackle the challenges related to the unsustainable use of finite resources. This transition drives the increased efforts on possibilities to recycle materials. Mechanical and chemical recycling of textile materials, especially cotton, Polyester and Polyamide, is gaining more and more attention and, since recently, is becoming commercially available. This project will focus on the chemical recycling of Norwegian, low grade wool fibers and post-consumer wool waste. The project will also require a LCA (life-cycle-analysis) of the full recycling process to assure it can be claimed as sustainable. The Research and Development?s main focus will be to investigate methods of chemically recycling wool, the properties of the recycled material, and possible applications for textiles and garments. The results of this project will be a biodegradable product produced out of low value material and/or waste which can be recycled in a sustainable process. Furthermore, the project will also create a higher value of the low grade wool which, in turn, can be of great importance to farmers in the means of creating new business opportunities.