Advancing Textile Recycling: Extracting Polyester from Complex Fiber Blends
Building on Rewin's established capability to recycle polyester in mixed textiles, their latest achievement marks another significant milestone in textile recycling technology. The company has successfully tackled an even more complex challenge by recovering polyester from a three-fiber blend that includes notoriously difficult anti-static fibers sourced from the Swedish company Elis.
Elis, a leading provider of rental and maintenance services for professional clothing, textiles and hygiene equipment, has been at the forefront of sustainable practices in the textile industry.
— At Elis, we are constantly seeking innovative ways to reduce our environmental impact and extend the lifecycle of our products. This advancement could potentially revolutionize how we handle end-of-life textiles, allowing us to recycle materials that were previously considered too complex. This could help us close the loop in our textile lifecycle, says Linda Nilsson, marketing manager at Elis.
Overcoming the Anti-Static Challenge
The advanced material consists of 48% polyester, 48% cotton, and 4% anti-static fibers. The accomplishment of recovering all three fiber materials is particularly remarkable because anti-static fibers have long posed a major obstacle in textile recycling processes due to their unique properties and low concentration in blends.
— Anti-static fibers, while essential in certain workwear applications, have historically been challenging for recyclers. Their specialized chemical properties and low percentage in the overall fabric composition make them difficult to isolate and process. Our ability to handle this complex blend demonstrates a significant leap forward in recycling technology, says Anders Arkell, CTO at Rewin.
This breakthrough has substantial implications for the recycling of industrial and specialized textiles. It opens up new possibilities for recycling professional uniforms and protective clothing, which often contain anti-static fibers for safety reasons. The technology also broadens the range of recyclable textiles, including those previously considered too complex for effective recycling. By enabling the recycling of these specialized blends, Rewin's process contributes to reducing waste and conserving resources in industrial sectors.
Rewin's technology has already demonstrated its effectiveness in recycling polyester from mixed textiles containing various fibers, all colors, and hard parts. This capability has set Rewin apart in the industry, allowing for the efficient processing of a wide range of textile waste that would otherwise be difficult to recycle. The company's innovative approach has consistently shown its proficiency in handling complex textile blends, paving the way for more comprehensive recycling solutions.
A Transformative Step in Textile Recycling
This latest achievement in handling anti-static fibers marks a significant advancement in textile recycling. By overcoming the challenge of mixed materials, including those with anti-static properties, Rewin is taking a significant step towards a fully circular textile industry. This advancement brings us closer to a future where textile resources can be reused efficiently and sustainably, addressing one of the remaining challenges in creating a truly circular economy for textiles.