In STELEC we aim to develop circuit technologies for e-textiles that are based on materials that minimise environmental impact, are compatible with the current life-cycle state of the art processes for regular textiles to facilitate easy re-use and can be produced (and recycled) in an energy efficient way.

While e-textiles are a well-established research field with many emerging applications, sustainability of such systems is a little considered aspect. This includes the use of resource-saving materials, their recyclability and the reduction of the CO2 footprint over the entire life cycle. The integration of electronics into garments has traditionally relied heavily on non-biodegradable materials and materials requiring an unsustainable supply of energy, water, and/or harsh chemicals. Examples include the encapsulation of circuits within thermoplastic polyurethane and the use of elastane to improve recovery of a stretched textile. STELEC will conduct materials, device and process research flanked by life cycle oriented environmental impact analysis to enable a novel sustainable textile electronics technology as a top-level scientific breakthrough.

The STELEC project receives funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe Pathfinder programme. More soon..