AVZ Group: 'Together towards a circular future for sun protection textiles'

Sustainability is a common thread within the cooperation between AVZ-Group and its strategic partners. In line with this ambition, the company - through the entity Hylas - is one of the first partners involved in Dickson's new recycling initiative. This manufacturer of high-quality awning fabrics has been taking steps toward a circular textile chain for more than a decade with its Greenovation program. Now an important step is also being taken in the Netherlands: residual materials from the production process are being collected, processed and given a second life in new applications.

From ambition to action: the contribution to circular shading

Dickson believes in textiles with a long lifespan, minimal environmental impact and maximum reusability. This fits perfectly with AVZ-Group's sustainability strategy, in which circular initiatives play a major role. "At AVZ-Group, our aim is to innovate in the area of sustainability," said Lindsay Wevers, sustainability manager at AVZ-Group. "In cooperation with Dickson, a long-cherished wish is coming true: our cutting waste is given a new life and reused in new fabrics and other applications."

The partnership with Dickson plays a key role in this. As a manufacturer with a strong European presence and a long-standing focus on sustainability, Dickson has the knowledge and infrastructure to make a real impact. "This partnership shows how chain collaboration leads to tangible results," Lindsay continued. "By joining forces, we achieve our sustainability goals faster - without compromising on quality and reliability."

Lars Huizenga, Sales Manager Benelux at Dickson, explains: "For Dickson, circularity is not a vision of the future, but daily practice. We are constantly looking for partners who share our ambitions and want to actively contribute to a more sustainable textile chain. The cooperation with AVZ-Group is a great example of this: together we are bringing recycling of awning fabric up to speed."

From work order to collection point: recycling in practice

The practical implementation of this initiative takes place at Hylas, where the process is designed to be as efficient as possible. Process engineer Sander IJdo is responsible for implementation and monitoring. "Employees deposit cutting waste in specially designated separation bins at their workstations. Every work order states which color cutting waste belongs in which bin - this prevents doubt and speeds up the sorting process. Once a bin is full, we collect it at a central point, where the bags are prepared for transport."

In addition to the physical process, internal awareness also plays a crucial role. Employees are actively involved and well informed about the importance of correct waste separation. Thanks to clear instructions and a streamlined system, recycling does not feel like an extra action, but a natural part of the work process. This not only increases efficiency, but also strengthens support on the shop floor.

"The first transport - with cutting waste collected from November 2024 to April 2025 - has now been completed. Given the current production rush, we expect to organize three to four transports a year," Sander concludes. This will make a concrete contribution to Dickson's goal of recycling 100 tons of acrylic textiles annually in a closed loop by 2025.

Outlook: this is just the beginning

"Soon we will share more news about recycling our acrylic fabric. Keep an eye on our updates," said Lindsay Wevers. Together with Dickson, concrete steps are being taken toward a circular textile chain.