This report outlines the main barriers which will impact the long term implementation of Fibersort technology. Main socio-cultural barriers are related to the current consumption and disposal practices, the negative perception towards recycled textiles derived from PCT as well as lack of urgency to address these issues. The consistency of input feedstock, the challenges related to the chemical and material requirements of the Fibersorted outputs and underdeveloped transportation and logistics are the main physical barriers that have to be addressed in the near future. Most relevant economic barriers are the current lack of demand, as well as the uncertain future demand from nascent recycling technologies. Further, a lack of legal frameworks and mandated policies such as EPR, tax incentives magnify the economic barriers for the long-term implementation of the technology as well as the uptake of recycled textiles. There is a need for investment support in the end-of-use value chain to enable substantial change. The Fibersort presents a technology-driven solution to support the shift towards a circular textiles industry. More extensive research reporting on key success factors, policy recommendations and case studies that demonstrate the Fibersort business case will be published in the coming months, building on the barriers identified in this study.

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