SKL-Mat - Development of a recyclable clean mat and a process for separating the raw materials

Clean run mats are used in entrance areas to remove dirt and moisture from shoe soles. This not only reduces soiling of the adjacent floor coverings, but also protects the floor coverings from wear. In this way, clean run mats ensure that the value of floor coverings is maintained and their durability extended. This reduces cleaning costs and renovation costs through extended renewal intervals. Another important function of clean run mats is to reduce the risk of slipping in the building. A high quality textile clean floor mat, also called a dirt-trapping mat, usually consists of a rubber backing, a polyester fabric or fleece backing and a polyamide yarn pile. Since the rubber backing layer is firmly attached to the top side (backing and pile), it is not possible to separate the individual components, e.g. after the mat is no longer in use. Reuse of the raw materials is therefore impossible. Cleaner mats are therefore usually sent for thermal recycling and valuable raw materials are incinerated.

To prevent this, the aim of the "SauberKREISLAUFmatte" project is to develop a recyclable clean run mat. This requires a textile construction made of only one material component. Particularly innovative is the development of the separating layer between the textile construction and the rubber backing layer, which withstands the washing and drying cycles of the clean-running mats and still allows the components to be easily separated at the end of use by means of special triggers. In addition, a process is being developed with which the individual raw materials can be returned to the recycling cycle. The qualitative, safety-related and health-related properties of the new SauberKREISLAUFmatte should at least correspond to the state of the art.

Funding program and project number

ZIM ZF4209905DN9

Duration

01.03.2020 – 28.02.2022