US researchers develop chemical process to recycle mixed textile waste

US researchers are developing a new chemical recycling approach for mixed-fibre textiles to help the fight against industry emissions output.

The new chemical approach seeks to make large-scale, multi-fibre recycling feasible and economically viable, ultimately reducing textile waste and promoting sustainability.

The method employs microwave-assisted, heat-based glycolysis with a zinc oxide catalyst to separate polyester, nylon, cotton and spandex in mixed-fibre textiles, the research team from the University of Delaware, Newark, reported in the journal ‘Science Advances’ recently.

The process involves breaking down polyester (PET) fibres in mixed textile waste into their monomers using ethylene glycol and a catalyst like zinc oxide.

Compared to other catalysts, zinc oxide seemed to offer a relatively benign environmental profile.

The polyester is broken down into BHET—a useful ingredient for yarns, resins and filaments, and spandex is converted into monomers like MDA, used in polyurethane foam and fibreglass plastics.

The method could be economically and industrially feasible in the future, and with further refinement, may achieve a global textile circularity rate of 88 per cent.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)