Next generation recycling of textiles and apparel

Next generation recycling of textiles and apparel

The scale of the textile waste problem is formidable, and the need for recycling is more pressing than ever. At present, the volume of fibres being recycled back into new fibres in any kind of circular system amounts to less than 1% of global fibre production. However, changes are afoot. In particular, a range of initiatives is being driven by the leading apparel brands, and legislation is pending which aims to ensure that fibres of the future will become more widely perceived as valuable resources. In the EU, the separate collection of textile waste will become mandatory from January 1, 2025, and an extended producer responsibility (EPR) scheme for dealing with the waste will be introduced. Also, Euratex is calling for 150-250 dedicated new recycling centres to be established in Europe in the next few years. In the case of carpet recycling, products are being developed using monomaterials, or single polymer constructions, in order to facilitate recycling. In the workwear sector, meanwhile, strides are being made in the development of methods for recycling uniforms containing para-aramid fibres.