Textile Recycling Technologies, Colouring and Finishing Methods

 
 
 
 
 
 
Cover photo courtesy of REDRESS HK and Ecotextile News. 
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Textile Recycling Technologies, Colouring and Finishing Methods | Le 
iii 
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 
Textiles are one of the largest growing waste streams in the world and are expected to continue to 
grow due to more frequent consumption and greater demand from “fast fashion”. Along with this 
comes high consumption of chemicals, energy, and water, which generate significant 
environmental impacts globally. A logical approach to diverting existing textile waste streams is 
the adoption of textile recycling technologies and systems. While some textile recycling 
technologies have long existed and been practiced, other demonstrated methods deemed to be 
feasible have not been successful at commercial adoption. Barriers to widespread implementation, 
and established systems for recycling have been largely associated with economic viability, 
quality, and performance requirements. In more recent times, the shift towards implementing 
textile recycling, new business models to achieve this, and related materials and process 
innovations, have begun to emerge.
This report was produced as part of the Metro Vancouver Regional Scholars Program and the 
University of British Columbia Sustainability Scholars Program. The objectives of this report are 
to provide research knowledge regarding mechanical and chemical textile recycling technologies 
commercially available and under development for prevalent fibres used in industry (polyester, 
nylon, cotton, wool), and potential impacts of dyes and finishing chemicals on recycling processes.
The research methods applied to this work included a literature review from available industry and 
government reports, academic research, and interviews with industry and researchers in the field. 
New and emerging innovations in fibre materials, dyes, and chemicals are highlighted.
Enabling factors that address knowledge and technology gaps for greater implementation of 
recycling technologies have been identified: 
•
Coordination across the supply chain to stimulate the adoption and development of textile 
recycling systems. 
•
Automated textile waste sorting and fibre identification to support requirements of existing 
recyclers and contribute to the development of emerging fibre-to-fibre recycling 
technologies. 
•
Traceability systems and information/knowledge of materials and chemicals used in 
production processes, to contribute to safer chemistry and products, and additional efficiency 
for recycling processes. 
•
Funding and partnerships among stakeholders, for technology expansion and growth of 
textile recycling systems. 
•
Increased awareness among industry and consumers.
Related technology outlook and expansion for the future, based on topics explored in this report 
are summarized as follows: 
•
Increased adoption of mechanical recycling and textile waste diversion for fibre-to-fibre, and 
other end-use applications to serve other industries (flocking and nonwovens), and 
implementation or organization of operations where geographically feasible.