Eton Systems powers automated solution for textile recycling
Eton Systems, a leading automation company based in Sweden, is playing a key role in the Microfactories system innovation project. This initiative, supported by Automation Region and Science Park Borås at the Swedish School of Textiles, aims to create a more efficient and automated flow for recycling second-hand garments. Eton’s contribution focuses on its reliable transport system for material handling, which is critical for the automation of the garment recycling process.
As the demand for second-hand clothing continues to rise, the industry faces a challenge in managing large volumes of garments. According to Jan Molin, CEO of Eton Systems, “The volumes in second-hand are now so large that the handling must be automated for it to work.” He also pointed to new EU regulations that mandate separate collection of textiles, which are pushing the industry to adapt. Alongside the regulations, there is a growing awareness and a more positive outlook toward recycling and the environmental impact of the textile industry.
A test facility for the project is being set up at Science Park Borås. In this facility, used clothing items are placed on customized product carriers that move through Eton’s automated transport system. Each garment is inspected using a vision system, while AI categorizes them based on parameters like manufacturer, model, and size. Any damage is analyzed, and the system suggests potential repairs. “The information collected is fed into a calculation model that, based on market data, makes suggestions for selling prices,” Molin explains. The final step involves photographing the garments for marketing purposes before they are stored in a warehouse to await sale.
The Evolution of Eton Systems’ Automation Solutions
Eton Systems’ material handling system has a long history. It was first developed in the 1960s for Eton’s own shirt manufacturing operations in Gånghester, near Borås. At that time, material handling accounted for up to 80 percent of the production costs. Eton’s solution was an overhead conveyor system called UPS (Unit Production System), which allowed shirts to move through various workstations one at a time. This move from mass production to one-off production led to numerous benefits, including reduced throughput times, lower material handling time, and better ergonomics for operators. It also helped to detect quality defects on individual products instead of at the batch level, reducing quality defect costs.
The success of the UPS system led to the establishment of Eton Systems in 1967, which later expanded its operations to global markets. Today, the company serves customers in clothing production, home textiles, furniture manufacturing, and even the automotive industry, with a particular focus on the handling of plastic parts.
Exploring New Opportunities in Textile Recycling
The textile industry is notorious for its environmental impact, particularly through overproduction. Clothing manufacturers often order large quantities, and unsold items are either sold off at a loss or destroyed. The Microfactories project, however, is focusing on developing small-scale, local, and needs-based production. Now, the project is turning its attention to the growing second-hand clothing market, which is experiencing rapid growth.
Molin sees significant potential in the second-hand clothing market: “It is an area that is growing rapidly and where there is room for innovation and new business models.” He also points out that there are opportunities to transfer technologies from other industries, such as automotive and home textiles, to the textile recycling sector. This approach could bring new solutions to the challenges the textile industry faces today.
The Microfactories system innovation project, which began in 2024, will run for four years. For Eton Systems, participation offers a valuable opportunity to test new applications of its technology while enhancing its innovation capabilities. “Collaboration with universities and innovation environments helps us stay at the forefront,” Molin says. “It’s about contributing to a more circular industry, where materials can be used more effectively and for a longer period of time.”
