Textile Recycling Technologies, Colouring and Finishing Methods

1.1 Scope and Methodology 
This report explores the recycling technologies for polyester, nylon, cotton (to regenerated 
cellulosics), and wool, as they are the most commonly used fibres in garment manufacturing. 
Emphasis is placed on advancements in fibre-to-fibre recycling technologies. Issues pertaining to 
current dyeing techniques and possible impacts during recycling are explored, and alternative and 
emerging innovative techniques are outlined. The following topics are presented: 
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Summary of existing textile recycling technologies (mechanical and chemical)
•
Identification of existing and emerging textile recycling technologies of prevalent fibres 
•
Summary of existing dyeing techniques, and chemical classes in use of potential concern 
used in dyeing and finishing processes 
•
Identification of alternative and novel colouring techniques, technologies for 
decolourization, and finishing chemistries adopted commercially and under development 
•
Identification of key enablers for textile recycling adoption, and greater sustainability in 
the textiles and apparel industry 
In this work, both ‘open-loop’ and ‘closed-loop’ technologies, are considered. Open-loop 
recycling, refers to the process by which textile materials are broken down (shredding, 
deconstruction, etc.) into lower value input products, or used in products for other applications 
(insulation, fill, industrial rags, low-grade blankets, etc.).
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The new application does not recover 
and utilize the full value of the material. Closed-loop recycling includes multiple loop processes 
whereby the textile material is recycled and used in an equivalent product.
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 Chemical recycling 
technologies for fibres and textiles are often considered to be closed-loop processes, given the 
potential to regenerate recycled materials of near-virgin or virgin quality.
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 While mechanical and 
chemical closed-loop recycling technologies may be applied to materials multiple times, material 
properties may be degraded during the process (shortening fibres, decreased material properties).
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The research methodology utilized in the report included a literature review of available industry 
reports, news sources, and data, technical research in the field, as well as qualitative methods 
through interviews with technology providers and researchers. Owing to both the proprietary 
nature or limited data available on some of concepts explored, there are still several gaps identified 
from the topics presented. This work is intended to serve as an informative piece to present the 
existing knowledge base of textile recycling technologies, colouring and finishing methods. 

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Textile Recycling Technologies, Colouring and Finishing Methods | Le 
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