Polymerization of Old Clothes into New Clothes

Professor Edwin Keh from the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel points out the difficulty in recycling synthetic blended fibers. Near-infrared spectroscopy offers a solution by identifying textile types quickly, aiding in fiber sorting. BASF subsidiary Trina Mix has developed an NIR-based solution for sorting textile waste, used by companies like Germany-based BASF Group, a leader in recycling used textiles. Chemical recycling, which breaks down plastic polymer chains into basic building blocks, also contributes to a circular economy, reducing resource use and pollution. BASF developed loopamid, a recycled polyamde-6 made of textile waste.  Zara and Inditex has used this to create a capsule jacket. Influencer Izzy Manuel advocates for sustainable fashion through ethical dopamine dressing, promoting colorful clothing that lifts spirits. Sustainable fibers and dyes are appealing, but understanding the recycling process is crucial. When recycled, clothes are sorted, shredded, and broken down into chemical building blocks in a process called depolymerization. These building blocks are cleaned and transformed back into pure polyamide, creating new polyamide fibers for 100% circular clothing. This highlights the importance of considering sustainability, especially in the U.S., where fast fashion is prevalent