Techtera launches 2013 innovation initiatives

Three projects will focus on eco-design for environment and human health.

Eco-design, environmental protection, recycling and public health are the themes that underlie the Techtera Technical Textiles Rhone-Alps cluster’s latest R & D projects. ECOSILAC, REVAMED and TECHNYMAT, funded through the 15th call for projects, will start in the second half of 2013.

ECOSILAC, a project with a strong environmental component, aims to develop eco-designed surface coatings with new and/or multifunctional properties. The seven partners aim to provide new surface properties to plastic, glass and textile substrates, using eco-designed silicone acrylates. Little used for treating textiles, their application by coating would be a significant technological innovation capable of improving water repellency, the feel and visual appearance of the products. Target markets: industrial consumer products such as nonstick films, coatings for applications in plastic or glass containers, delicate fabrics for luxury goods and furnishings; as well as uses in hygiene, medical, cosmetic, food processing, clothing and furnishings.

The twelve partners of the TECHNYMAT recycling project will work to develop innovative materials from textile production waste and textiles at the end of life. This “green” inter-sector project intends to address major industrial issues for textiles and plastics. It will create three families of innovative materials with high added value: new, innovative plastic materials created from textile waste to secure supplies of raw materials for the plastics industry; new thermal and acoustic insulation materials for the construction and automotive sectors; and new materials for manufacturing synthetic thread from recyclates. The intention is to facilitate setting up an industrial chain between collectors, manufacturers, distributors and transformers of textiles and plastics.

The REVAMED project (regeneration and evaluation of medical devices) addresses major economic and medical issues. The six partners involved in the project intend to develop and assess innovative medical devices for the repair and regeneration of soft tissues in the abdominal wall (a knitted device) and for periodontal and peri-implant tissues (nonwoven). The project aims to provide comprehensive and effective solutions to meet current public health requirements.