REVISED TEXT - Revitalising Mixed Textile Waste: A Second Life Through Chemical Recycling

A new research project is tackling the growing problem of textile waste—of which less than 0.5 percent is currently recycled worldwide. By developing an innovative chemical recycling method, the team aims to simplify the recycling of mixed textiles while reducing climate impact. The goal is to make textile recycling both economically viable and scalable.

Project team: Paul Christakopoulos (project leader), Io Antonopoulou, Suman Bajracharya, Leonidas Matsakas, Ulrika Rova

Partner: Department of Textile Technology, Borås University

Duration: 2025-2029

Funded by: Formas

REVISED TEXT tackles the global challenge of textile waste, where less than 0.5% of post-consumer textiles are recycled. In Sweden alone, around 48,000 tons of textiles are discarded annually, and from 2025, separate collection is mandatory. The main challenge lies in the mixed composition of textile waste, which complicates recycling efforts. Current mechanical recycling methods are inefficient for multi-fiber textiles, while chemical recycling offers more promise but is still costly and complex.

REVIVED TEXT introduces a novel chemical recycling method using Heated-High Ethanol Alkaline Aqueous (HHeAA) processing. This method has the potential to simplify the recycling of unsorted mixed textile waste by breaking down polyester, spandex, and wool into reusable components while preserving fibers like cotton and nylon. The resulting materials are intended to match the quality of virgin fibers and be suitable for new textile production.

The project aims to make chemical textile recycling more scalable and economically viable, with significant reductions in CO₂ emissions compared to conventional disposal. By transforming mixed textile waste into high-quality resources, the project will contribute to a more circular and sustainable textile industry.