Enabling innovation for circular textiles
ABOUT US
At Textile Fiber Boost, we are a start-up focused on enhancing the quality of mechanically recycled fibers through innovative pre-treatment processes. Our mission also includes increasing the yield of post-consumer textiles suitable for reuse by introducing chemical treatments prior to mechanical recycling. Together with a consortium of circular textile industry partners, we recently secured a major grant to support a five-year project. This project, named TEXPOWER and funded by the National Growth Fund, will enable us to further develop and scale up our Polycotton Booster Technology.
In addition, we recently applied for a loan through the National Science Organization (NWO) for early-stage financing aimed at advancing our cotton pretreatment technology. We are delighted to inform you that this application has been approved as well!
WHAT WE DO
Purpose
We aim to transform the textile industry by enhancing mechanical recycling through our Fiber Boosting Technology, which significantly improves material yield, purity, and quality. This supports a more sustainable approach to recycling post-consumer textiles.
Impact
Our technology can increase recycling efficiency (yield rises from 45% to 85%), enhance material purity (cotton purity >99.5%), and enable the separation of disruptive materials like zippers and buttons. This reduces waste and promotes closed-loop processes.
Current Status
The idea, born in late 2022, has moved from lab trials to a semi-industrial scale trial of 80 kg, with promising results. We are currently optimizing the process and scaling towards industrial applications.
Vision
Within three years, we plan to implement the first machines at recycling facilities in Europe, revolutionizing how post-consumer textiles are recycled while addressing environmental and economic challenges.
NEWS
NRC Article
We’re proud to announce that our colleague, Maud Kuppen, was featured in NRC’s article “Loshangend garen, lubberende stof – hoe koop je kleding die wél lang meegaat?”. Her expertise in textile durability and sustainable materials offers valuable insights for smarter, long-lasting clothing choices.
Textile Fiber Boost improves quality and yield of textile recycling
A article about us, Textile Fiber Boost, a new spin-off from Saxion, is advancing textile sustainability by developing the Cotton Booster technology, which enhances recycling efficiency and quality, and recently received €250,000 in funding from the Dutch Research Council (NWO).
Arjan Zemann and Jens Oelerich on Textile Fiber Boost
A video about us showcases Textile Fiber Boost and its Cotton Booster technology, which makes textile recycling easier and more efficient. You’ll see the team demonstrating the process, along with key figures discussing the €250,000 funding from the Dutch Research Council (NWO) supporting this sustainable innovation.
40 Take-off projects receive funding
The article explains that Textile Fiber Boost BV, in collaboration with Saxion University of Applied Sciences, has received funding to further develop its Cotton Booster technology, which treats textile fibers from discarded clothing to make them easier and more efficiently recyclable.
Our Team
Jaap Zandbergen
CEO
Jaap Zandbergen is the CEO of TFB. He has previously been a director of several textile companies, giving him experience as a textile economist and entrepreneur.
Maud Kuppen
CTO
Maud Kuppen has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Textile Technology. She has extensive experience in mechanical recycling and analysis of fiber and textile properties.
Imelda Schutte
Laboratory Researcher
Imelda Schutte has a bachelor’s degree in Textile Technology. She is skilled in conducting research. Her work focuses on innovative approaches to textile production.
Jens Oelerich
Technology Advisor
Dr. Jens Oelerich is the Technology Advisor of TFB. He holds a PhD from RUG in organic Chemistry and associate lecturer in the Sustainable & Functional Textiles lectureship at Saxion.
Our location
At the moment, we don’t have our own office space yet but we are working from Saxion’s Centre for Entrepreneurship, located at Ariënsplein 1, 7511 JX Enschede. Additionally, you can also find us in the textile laboratories in Saxion’s Epy Drost building at Van Galenstraat 19, 7511 JL Enschede.