In a major breakthrough, researchers at TU Wien have developed advanced methods for the efficient and eco-friendly recycling of elastane-containing textiles, a challenge that has long plagued the textile industry. These innovative techniques not only detect elastane more accurately but also enable its gentle separation, preserving other fibers in the process.
Used textiles are a valuable resource, yet the presence of elastane has posed a significant obstacle to recycling efforts. Elastane, known for its exceptional stretch properties, disrupts conventional recycling processes, causing machine malfunctions and hindering the recovery of reusable fibers.
Emanuel Boschmeier, a doctoral student at the Institute of Chemical, Environmental, and Bioscience Engineering at TU Wien, identified the need for a reliable and fast method to detect elastane in textiles. The conventional testing approach, utilizing a solvent deemed harmful to health and time-consuming, lacked efficiency. In response, a groundbreaking “Elastane Quantification Tool” was developed in collaboration with Vasiliki-Maria Archodoulaki’s laboratory. This tool employs mid-infrared spectroscopy, providing accurate measurements of elastane content in garments.
The research team, supervised by Andreas Bartl, addressed the challenge of separating elastane from other fibers. Through experimentation with various solvents and theoretical studies, a safe solvent was identified. This solvent selectively removes elastane, leaving reusable fibers unharmed. A patent application has been filed for this groundbreaking separation method, showcasing its potential impact on textile recycling.
The developed techniques facilitate the recovery of materials like polyester or polyamide, ensuring their nearly complete retrieval. Even in scenarios where wool is combined with polyester and elastane, the individual components can be effectively utilized. Enzymes are employed to break down wool under mild conditions, generating an amino acid cocktail applicable in cosmetics or fertilizer production. Following this, elastane is separated, leaving behind recyclable polyester.
The research was conducted as part of the EU project SCIRT (System Circularity and Innovative Recycling of Textiles). Emanuel Boschmeier’s exceptional contributions earned him the prestigious INI Award for Innovation and Sustainability in Engineering, presented by the Austrian Society of Engineers and Architects (ÖIAV) and the Federation of Austrian Industries (IV).
With these groundbreaking methods, TU Wien researchers are pioneering a sustainable approach to textile recycling, overcoming the challenges posed by elastane. These innovations mark a significant step toward achieving the European Union’s goal of collecting and recycling used textiles, fostering a circular economy and minimizing environmental impact.
