RFID technology triples textile sorting speed

A joint pilot project conducted by Avery Dennison and TEXAID has demonstrated that RFID technology can significantly improve textile sorting efficiency, achieving up to three times faster processing speeds than traditional manual methods while maintaining identification accuracy of up to 99.9%.

The project explored how RFID-enabled automation could support the growing need for faster and more scalable textile sorting solutions. The findings come at a time when the European textile industry is preparing for stricter waste management regulations and new requirements for textile traceability.

TEXAID, which processes approximately 80,000 tonnes of textiles each year across more than 300 sorting categories, partnered with Avery Dennison to evaluate whether RFID technology could help manage the increasing volume of post-consumer textiles expected under new European Union regulations.

Testing was carried out at the Valvan Sorting Lab in Menen using Valvan’s Fibersort system. The facility’s existing equipment was upgraded with additional scanning hardware and software to support RFID-based sorting under realistic operating conditions. According to the project results, the RFID-enabled system processed garments at a rate of one item per second, equivalent to 60 garments per minute.