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Eggersmann Recycling Technology

Recycling textiles

Recycling plays a crucial role in overcoming the challenges associated with the disposal and consumption of textiles. The correct recycling of textiles is of great importance for the environment as it saves resources, reduces waste and minimises the negative impact of the textile industry on the environment.

I. Why is textile collection so important for the environment?

Collecting textiles is important for the environment for several reasons:

  • Resource conservation
    Textile production requires large amounts of natural resources such as water, energy and raw materials. By collecting textiles for recycling, these resources can be saved, as recycled textiles can serve as an alternative to new production.
  • Waste reduction
    Textiles make up a significant proportion of the waste that ends up in landfill. By collecting and recycling textiles, we reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfill.
  • Reducing emissions
    The textile industry is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful environmental impacts. By recycling textiles, emissions are reduced compared to new production.

II. What should be considered?

The following aspects should be taken into account when recycling textiles:

  • Separation of materials
    Textiles are made of different materials such as cotton, polyester, wool, nylon, etc. Proper separation of these materials is important to enable high-quality recycling.
  • Condition of the textiles
    Damaged or heavily worn textiles can cause difficulties in recycling. Therefore, textiles should be collected in as good a condition as possible to maximise recycling opportunities.
  • Remove soiling
    Before recycling, textiles should be cleaned of dirt, soiling and non-recyclable materials such as metal parts or plastic zips.

III Which common materials in the textile industry can be recycled?

The most important materials can be recycled in textile recycling.

  • Cotton
    A natural fibre that can be recycled to make new textiles or processed into insulation and filling materials.
  • Polyester
    A synthetic fibre that can be recycled to make new polyester fibres, which are widely used in the textile industry.
  • Wool
    A natural fibre that can be recycled to make new wool products or processed into insulation materials.
  • Nylon
    A synthetic fibre that can be recycled to make new nylon fibres used in the manufacture of carpets, clothing and other products.

IV. What types of textile recycling are there?

There are different types of textile recycling:

  • Mechanical recycling
    Textiles are shredded and processed into fibres or yarns that can be used to make new textiles.
  • Chemical recycling
    In this method, textiles are broken down into their chemical components in order to produce new fibres or plastics.
  • Upcycling
    In this approach, textiles are upgraded and transformed into new products without having to be processed into fibres or yarns. For example, old T-shirts can be turned into bags or carpets.

V. How can recycled textiles be reused?

Recycled textiles are used in a wide variety of areas:

  • Clothing industry
    Recycled textiles can be used to make new garments, either as the main material or as part of blended fabrics.
  • Automotive industry
    In the automotive industry, recycled textiles are used to produce upholstery, carpets and interior components.
  • Construction industry
    Recycled textiles are used in the manufacture of insulation materials and wall panelling.
  • Furniture industry
    In furniture production, recycled textiles can be used for upholstery and covers.

VI What challenges does efficient textile recycling face?

The following challenges must be tackled in order to recycle textiles efficiently:

  • Technological challenges
    The technical processes and infrastructure for textile recycling are not yet as advanced as for other recycling processes.
  • Quality problems
    The quality of recycled textiles can be lower than that of new products, especially when it comes to blended fabrics or chemically recycled fibres.
  • Logistical challenges
    The collection of textiles requires efficient logistics and broad consumer participation in order to obtain a sufficient quantity of recyclable textiles.

Textile recycling is an important measure to promote sustainability in the textile industry. By collecting and properly recycling textiles, resources can be conserved, waste reduced and environmental impacts minimised.

However, there is a need to drive technological development and create awareness among consumers to ensure efficient and sustainable textile recycling practices.