Mapping Flows of Textile Waste in Sweden and an Analysis of Alternatives

Sammanfattning: During this project, flows of textile waste in Sweden were mapped and analysed. Much of the information in the report was based on a literature review performed in the beginning of the project. It was concluded that textile waste should firstly be re-used, thereafter recycled and as a last option incinerated. Turning textile waste into biofuel is not a reasonable option compared to incineration with regard to the useful energy being produced. In total, 42 000 – 55 000 tonnes of textile waste per year could be re-used, 39 050 – 50 050 tonnes of textile waste per year could be recycled and 5000 – 8000 tonnes of textile waste per year has an elevated risk of containing harmful chemicals. These flows are currently incinerated and originate foremost from textile waste in the residual waste. Textile waste from donations as well as textile waste collected as bulky waste at recycling centres are other large contributors. If the textile waste would be managed in the best way from an environmental point of view (firstly re-used, secondly recycled and lastly incinerated), 447 – 585 ktonnes CO2-equivalents, 4.4 – 5.9 PJ primary energy from renewable resources and 6.5 – 8.6 PJ primary energy from non-renewable resources could potentially be saved every year. For the emissions of greenhouse gases this equals 629 000 – 823 000 persons making roundtrip flights by air between Stockholm and Bangkok. As part of this project a case study was performed in collaboration with the company Ramboll. With the requirements Ramboll had, 2900 – 5500 tonnes of textile waste per year could be used in the production of acoustic panels.