Upcycling critical waste into circular, certified and high performing chemical products for the whole textile industry

A leading initiative by ERCA Group.

ERCA, a pioneer in textile chemical innovation, has unveiled a groundbreaking solution with its REVECOL® line. This innovative range transforms a significant waste material, such as exhausted vegetable cooking oil, into a complete, certified, high-performing set of Chemical Auxiliaries for the textile industry.  

In the realm of textiles, much attention is placed on materials like cotton, polyester, and wool, but every facet of the textile supply chain plays a crucial role. Chemical auxiliaries, which are used in preparing, dyeing, and finishing textile fibers, are vital. With REVECOL®, ERCA adds an essential piece to the puzzle, fostering a truly circular approach within textile production.  

Solutions that combine high performance with sustainability  

ERCA’s mission is to continually seek innovative solutions that combine high performance with sustainability. The development of REVECOL® was spearheaded by the Textile Business Unit, an internal division of ERCA equipped with research and development, production facilities, quality control laboratories, application laboratories, and technical support. Their aim is to lead the charge in sustainability, reducing the environmental impact of the textile industry through innovative, sustainable solutions and services.  

ERCA is dedicated to combatting “greenwashing,” a strategy that often falsely portrays activities as eco-sustainable. Their goal is to promote genuine ecological efforts.  

From the project’s inception, the objective was clear: to create a recycling-oriented, high-performance, cost-effective chemistry capable of replacing palm and castor oils while substantially reducing CO2 emissions.  

Achieving these objectives requires extensive research and development efforts. Each product undergoes 6-8 months of study and fine-tuning, followed by an additional 6 months for essential analyses, including biodegradability and aquatic toxicity assessments conducted at specialized centers. Independent third-party certification is the final measure of these products’ value.  

The project commenced in 2018 with chemical reactions conducted in the synthesis laboratory, followed by performance evaluations compared to traditional products. By October 2018, intermediates and finished products were in production. In 2019, successful industrial tests paved the way to showcase two products at ITMA in Barcelona, a leading textile industry event.  

Achieving front runner status  

ERCA Spa has made history by becoming the world’s first chemical company to attain the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certification for textile chemicals. This prestigious recognition is conferred by Textile Exchange, a prominent non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting responsible and sustainable development in the global textile sector.  

But the accolades for REVECOL® don’t stop there. The line also boasts a level 3 rating in the Gateway of ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals), along with approvals from bluesign® and Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). ERCA is currently finalising third-party Product Carbon Footprint certification to provide transparency regarding the Global Warming Potential of REVECOL® products.  

Initial data indicates significant reductions in CO2 emissions, with one case showing a 72% decrease and another a 41% reduction compared to standard products. An important milestone was the inclusion of the project in the Best Available Techniques (BAT) document of the European Community.  

Sharing its commitment with younger generations  

ERCA remains steadfast in its commitment to develop “upcycling” technologies, firmly believing that this approach is pivotal in reshaping business practices to preserve our planet.  

To promote responsible disposal practices, ERCA has created an educational video, which is also presented in schools. This initiative encourages individuals, especially younger generations, to collect used vegetable oil and bring it to designated collection points, preventing environmental harm caused by improper disposal in drains and municipal wastewater treatment plants.