Automation at Björkåfrihet - an innovative solution for the future

Björkåfrihet is a non-profit organization that handles several tons of clothing donations every day. The organization has been working for many years to promote reuse and solidarity through the collection and sale of second-hand clothes. Now Björkåfrihet is part of the Smart Transition project, which focuses on developing innovative solutions to strengthen sustainability and efficiency in different industries.

A central part of this work is a degree project carried out by Kasper Bråthen and Danni Hussain, two students at University West. Their work focuses on automating parts of Björkåfrihet's clothing collection process. More specifically, they are investigating how the opening and emptying of collected clothing bags, a process that is currently carried out manually, can be streamlined with the help of technical solutions.

- This thesis has been an educational challenge where we have gained a deeper understanding of complex aspects of textile recycling and clothing collection, says Kasper.

On January 1, 2025, a new law will come into force that requires textile waste to be sorted out and collected separately in Sweden. The legislation, which aims to promote the circular management of textiles, makes the current work with Björkåfrihet particularly relevant. As part of the project, they are investigating how their collection process can be streamlined and automated.

More specifically, the focus is on automating the opening and emptying of collected clothing bags - a process that is currently performed manually. The aim is to reduce the workload, create a better working environment and meet the increasing inflow of clothes donated to the organization.

Challenges in creating effective solutions

Automating something as complex and varied as a clothing collection process presents several challenges. One of the biggest difficulties has been dealing with the different conditions of the bags. They vary in size, material and fill level, making it difficult to create a solution that works universally. In addition, the contents of the bags can be of very different types, from robust textiles to fragile garments, which places high demands on precision and care in the opening and emptying mechanism.

Another challenge is balancing technical functionality with security. The prototypes have undergone extensive testing to ensure that the contents of the bags are not damaged, while keeping the process fast enough to meet business needs. Risk analysis and simulations have played a crucial role in identifying problems and improving solutions.

-"With our work, we want to present a step closer to a solution for an automated clothing collection line. Our ambition is to contribute with innovative ideas and valuable insights that can inspire and support further developments in the field," says Danni Hussain

Another aspect is ergonomics and work environment. The aim has been to create a solution that not only automates the process but also relieves the burden on staff. Integrating technology that is easy to use and can interact with the existing collection chain has required careful design and usability considerations.

Solutions based on analysis and innovation

Despite the challenges, the project has made great progress. In collaboration with University West, three concepts have been developed, using prototypes and simulations to test different technical solutions. The focus is on handling the bags with precision, minimizing damage to the contents and ensuring that the solutions are flexible enough to work in a varying collection environment.

By automating these parts of the process, Björkåfrihet can free up resources that can be used for other parts of the business. In addition, the solutions help to strengthen the organization's ability to meet both national and international goals for a circular economy, where reuse and efficient use of resources are in focus.

A wider context

The automation work at Björkåfrihet is part of a larger context within the Smart Transition project. The project, funded by the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth, aims to create sustainable change in industry and the non-profit sector through innovative collaborations and technological solutions. Björkåfrihet's work is a concrete example of how the project can contribute to both local and global challenges by connecting actors from different sectors.

It also demonstrates how technology and innovation can meet practical needs in everyday operations, while strengthening an entire value chain for sustainable textile management. It is an example of how change can start small, but have a ripple effect in a wider context.

We look forward to following the development and results of this work. The automation solutions are not only an investment in Björkåfrihet's future, but can also be an inspiration for others who want to take advantage of the opportunities of a circular and sustainable economy.

The work is carried out within the framework of the Smart Transition project and is funded by the European Union, Region Västra Götaland and Region Halland.