Tèxtils.CAT member Hilaturas Arnau has successfully completed the Re-HiTechTex project, demonstrating that old firefighter garments can be recycled into new, high-performance protective fabrics. Thanks to this initiative, fire-resistant uniforms no longer need to be discarded—they can be transformed into durable, sustainable materials that meet strict safety standards for protective clothing.

With support from InTransit project, Hilaturas Arnau developed a circular recycling system that repurposes fibers from used firefighter garments, blending them with pre-consumer textile waste to create new fire-resistant fabrics. These new materials are just as strong and reliable as conventional protective textiles, offering a greener alternative without compromising safety.

A major achievement of the Re-HiTechTex project was reaching a Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) of 45. The LOI measures how much oxygen is needed to keep a material burning. The higher the LOI, the more fire-resistant the material is. Materials with an LOI below 21 burns easily in normal air and an LOI above 26 means the material is self-extinguishing.

This result demonstrates that recycled fire-retardant textiles can meet or even exceed industry safety standards, making this a groundbreaking achievement for sustainable protective gear. This success paves the way for more circular models in protective clothing, aerospace, and industrial workwear.

Hilaturas Arnau worked closely with Tèxtils.CAT, the advanced textile materials cluster in Catalonia, which provided key support throughout the project. Their expertise in technical textiles and sustainability helped make this initiative a success. This collaboration also opens doors for future innovations in circular textile solutions for other industries.

In Transit aims to promote the resilience of SMEs in the textile, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and construction sectors by making them greener and more digital with a social and business model. This is coupled with a mixed support mechanism which includes individual assessment support, financial support and advice to ensure consolidation and sustainability.