tExtended Conversations Series: PUrfi

In our new instalment of our conversations series today we are speaking with Koen De Ruyck, from PurFi Belgium, a unique textile recycler that produces rejuvenated fibres from textile waste. We discussed with Koen about their role in tExtended and how working in this European project will be beneficial for their work.

Thanks for speaking to us today. Could you start by introducing yourself and telling us where you are based?

My name is Koen De Ruyck, the general manager of PurFi Belgium. I’m a Textile Engineer with a focus on Soft Mechanical Recycling in Belgium for Europe.

Can you tell us something about the task that you are specifically working on in tExtended?

We are working on real cases to put Post-Industrial and Post-Consumer waste back into new fibers, so that we can produce similar products, as the original product, again, via our Re-Juvenation technology. 

What do you like the most about working on this project?

Helping Europe and the whole Textile business to reduce the whole textile waste ‘mountain’. 

What makes your organization ideal for participating in the research/activities of tExtended?

Because we have a unique technology of Re-Juvenation, so we can focus on the upgrading of the recycled waste… and NOT on downcycling. 

What do you see as the biggest challenge for tExtended?

I see a lot of projects in the EU, and I think it would be great if we can bring all the know-how together. We also have to push the EU political people to move on with the clear strategy and timing for the whole circular Textile future!  

What is one key thing you have learned from working on tExtended so far?

We have to focus on small steps, but with practical results and examples. No theory, but real results. 

How would you describe tExtended with three words only?

Interesting, EU-Team, Positive Spirit