The Valencian Institute for Business Competitiveness (IVACE) has granted funding of €44,638.56, co-financed by the European Union at a rate of 60% through the ERDF Operational Programme of the Valencian Community, for the project entitled “R&D OF NEW PROCESSES FOR THE RETENTION AND REMOVAL OF MICROPLASTICS IN TEXTILE FINISHING”, with reference number IMIDCA/2024/52, submitted under the PIDCOP-CV programme.

The objective of this project was the research and development of innovative solutions aimed at mitigating the presence of microplastics (MPs) in wastewater generated by wet processes in the textile industry, as well as their quantification.

ONDYTEC focused its research on the development of a washing method based on ultrasound technology, enabling the controlled removal of MPs without compromising fabric quality. In addition, a pre-filtration and retention system was incorporated to minimize the amount of MPs generated during washing and subsequent finishing processes.

ESTAMPADOS PRATO studied the influence of different textile finishing processes on the emission rate of MPs, developing and implementing advanced filtration and retention solutions within its wastewater treatment system, as well as quantifying the MPs captured through these processes.

The importance of this project lies in its potential to drive a significant transformation in how environmental challenges are addressed within the textile industry. By providing new technological solutions and promoting the adoption of more sustainable practices, the successful completion of this project contributes to reducing microplastic pollution associated with the textile sector, thereby protecting aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and fostering a cleaner and healthier future for upcoming generations.