Idea：” Firefighting clothing recycling eco bag and Reuse Cycle Platform"

●Introduction

We believe that the most important word in this eco-bag development is "sustainability". We think there are three important point to achieve this "sustainability" :(1) Use materials with low environmental load, (2) Durable and Attractive Product, (3) Reuse Cycle Platform. Therefore, we came up with the idea of recycling firefighting clothing and using it as an eco-bag.

The fabric of the fireproof clothing is durable enough, even if it has already been used. On the other hand, there is no fixed method for how to reuse the used fireproof clothing. The materials used for firefighting clothing cannot be melted and recycled like PET fiber. Therefore, it is necessary to recycle the textile as it is. Under these circumstances, the use as an eco-bag is effective way to recycle use.  There are several examples of processing used firefighting clothing as bags and selling it [1], but it was small-scale projects. Additionally, the platform for firefighting clothing recycling has not been established.

This idea can also contribute to the local community. The local fire brigade has a small budget and is having trouble finding someone to pick up the used fire brigade. Purchasing the used firefighting clothing from them will increase the budget of the local fire brigade. This can also contribute to improving the safety of the local community.

We also need a platform to reuse the used eco-bags in the local community. Installing a box for collecting used eco-bags in supermarkets and public facilities so that they can be reused. It will be necessary to discuss how to utilize used textiles and how to make them reusable. We need to think about every method, whether to repair and reuse it, to use it for another purpose, or to dispose of it so that it has a low environmental load.

●Three Important Point

Here, I will discuss firefighting clothing recycling from the perspective of the three points mentioned above.

(1) Use materials with low environmental load

In planning a new eco bag, it is necessary to use materials that have a low environmental load. This is because eco-bags are consumables and will eventually need to be thrown away or recycled. Candidates under these circumstances are recycled fibers, biodegradable fibers, or natural fibers. On the other hand, eco-bags are used many times and need to support heavy loads, so strength and durability is very important point. In this respect, firefighting clothing recycling is considered an idea to achieve both "recycling" and "durability". The materials originally used for firefighting clothing are not highly recyclable, so it is thought that such a recycling mechanism is necessary.

(2) Durable and Attractive Product

In order to achieve “sustainability”, it is important to have users use it for a long time. “Durability” and “Attractiveness” are considered to be necessary for long-term use. Regarding durability, firefighting clothing is made of a material with excellent fire resistance, and it is thought that it can be used for eco-bags. However, the materials used in firefighting clothing have the weakness of being vulnerable to UV rays and tearing. Therefore, it is considered that some processing is required to use it as a textile for firefighting clothes and as an eco-bag. This point needs more discussion.

Regarding attractiveness, it is necessary to add some value and promote it. For example, the promotion "This eco-bags made from materials that protect firefighters" is considered to be effective promotion for many people. In addition, the high durability of firefighting clothing is also considered to be the best way to showcase the durability of eco-bags. In addition, the high durability of firefighting clothing is also considered to be the best way to showcase the durability of eco-bags. However, I think some people like that design and many don't. The design of these firefighting suits, for better or for worse, is masculine and may not be suitable for women, the main target of eco-bags. Achieving both durability and design is an important theme that needs to be considered in the future. Regarding these points, I think that Kansei engineering, which I major in, will be useful. I am convinced that many approaches can make a product more attractive, such as designing it for the target, making it easy to hold and carry, and making it foldable.

(3) Reuse Cycle Platform

The following recycling process can be considered.

(1) Green tech purchase used firefighting clothing from the local fire brigade. (The budget of the fire brigade will increase)

(2) Manufacture eco-bags by processing textiles for firefighting clothing

(3) Selling manufactured eco-bags (It leads to reduction of plastic shopping bags)

(4) Install eco-bag recycling boxes in supermarkets and public facilities.

(5) Put the used eco bag in the box

(6) Green tech collects used eco bags and reuses them (reuse method needs to be considered)

These cycles have the following benefits: (1) the number of plastic shopping bags used will decrease, (2) the number of eco-bags discarded will decrease in the future by using durable eco-bags, and (3) it will be possible to contribute to local fire brigades.

●For our team member

I believe that Green Tech products should be made by gathering knowledge from all fields of the Faculty of Textiles. This team has much expertise, including chemistry specialists, water repellent material specialists, nanomaterials specialists, firefighting clothing specialists, and silk specialists and so on. We will surely be able to improve our eco-bag products. If you have any suggestions, I would be grateful if you could let me know.

●Acknowledgement

This idea was conceived in collaboration with Mr. Seita Ryutarou.

●Reference

[1] https://modeco-brand.com/feature/viaggio-used-and-sp/