The genesis of BlockTexx®

BlockTexx's® story began with a simple yet ambitious mission: to divert textiles from landfill. The company has developed a technology to separate hard-to-recycle blended fabrics, such as those found in everyday items like sheets, towels, and clothing. This innovation is not just about recycling; it's about creating a sustainable textile recycling industry in Australia, Ross says. 

'Our mission has never changed. It's really simple—divert textiles from landfill.'

Innovative technology and IP

BlockTexx® holds a patent for their innovative chemical separation process, Separation of Fibre Technology (S.O.F.T.), which allows them to separate cotton from polyester in blended fabrics. This process is crucial because it enables the recycling of both materials without sacrificing one for the other. 'We didn't want to create a business that created another problem,' explains Ross. The technology has been developed in collaboration with leading universities, including Queensland University of Technology and the University of Queensland.

BlockTexx's® commitment to innovation is reflected in their robust IP strategy. The company currently holds 5 registered trade marks, including BlockTexx®, PolyTexx®, CellTexx®, TraceTexx®, and their consumer initiative, Give a Sheet for the Planet®. These trade marks not only protect their brand but also signify their dedication to transparency and trust in the recycling process.

Navigating the patent landscape

Securing IP protection was a critical step in BlockTexx's® journey. The founders quickly realised that having a patent was not just a milestone but a necessity for attracting investors and securing funding.

‘Often the word patent comes up when you look at external fundraising or even grant funding,’ Ross explains. ‘Some investors are really focused on you having a patent, while others just want to know that you are underway with your patent understanding.’

The patent journey was not without its challenges. The founders had to balance the demands of developing their technology with the rigorous requirements of the patent process. They engaged a patent attorney to navigate the complexities and ensure their innovations were adequately protected. This strategic approach allowed them to focus on both the protection and preparation for full patent filing.

Challenges and triumphs

The path to innovation is rarely smooth, and BlockTexx® has been no exception. One of the significant challenges they faced was developing a technology that could handle the diverse range of textiles in the market. 'We had to ensure our technology could adapt to different thicknesses and types of materials,' says Ross.

Despite these hurdles, BlockTexx® has made remarkable progress, celebrating their 7-year anniversary and continuing to push the boundaries of textile recycling.

Impact and future vision

BlockTexx's® innovative approach has not gone unnoticed. The company recently won the InnovationAus Australian Hero Award, a testament to its pioneering work in the green economy. 

Looking ahead, BlockTexx® aims to expand their operations and continue innovating. Their vision includes building Australia's first large-scale textile recycling industry, which will not only create jobs but also set a precedent for sustainable practices in the sector.

‘There's a huge opportunity to turn this into a really sizable industry,’ Ross notes.

BlockTexx's® story is one that demonstrates the power of innovation, collaboration, and a strong IP strategy. Their journey from a simple idea to a burgeoning force in textile recycling highlights the importance of protecting and leveraging IP to drive sustainable change. As they continue to grow and innovate, BlockTexx® remains committed to their mission of diverting textiles from landfill and building a sustainable future for all.

BlockTexx® is featured in this year's IP Report as an example of IP driving sustainable innovation.

Source: https://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/news-and-community/case-studies/blocktexx