SUSCORP

Design for Disassembly
This novel assembly/disassembly project aims to provide the first practical means to rapidly disassemble an item of clothing in a semi-automated, cost effective way. Initially this approach will enable zips, buttons, fastenings and other "contras" that “contaminate” clothing recyclate to be easily removed prior to processing. This will immediately benefit down cycling applications e.g. mattress, furniture and automotive products
Outcomes
A new generation of reusable or recyclable corporate wear (and subsequently mainstream clothing) is being developed in which joints (e.g. seams) can be dismantled and logos and emblems removed using new process technology. The potential to disassemble effectively will encourage the future specification of more suitable fabrics and fibres from procurement professionals based on the extendable life cycle of the garments.