Polyurethane (PU) elastomer fibre has been removed from discarded polyester clothing using a new foreign material removal technique, according to Teijin Frontier Co., Ltd., a company that converts fibres and products for the Teijin Group.
The method incorporates a new processing agent that is applied during the chemical recycling process’ pretreatment stage and helps raise the calibre of the recycled polyester fibre produced from clothes made with PU elastomer fibre.
The new technology also helps to avoid the decolourisation of polyester fibre and gets rid of extraneous substances like dyes in addition to eliminating the PU elastomer fibre. Since October 2022, Teijin Frontier has been testing this revolutionary technology for actual application.
Teijin Frontier is working to develop cutting-edge technologies that enable recycling and increase the value of environmentally friendly materials, all while being guided by the THINK ECO® environmental approach.
The company is collaborating with the supply chain to create a full ecosystem spanning clothes collection, sorting, and recycling as part of its programme centred on polyester fibre. Teijin Frontier is optimistic that its novel approach to removing foreign materials will assist broaden the use of fiber-to-fiber recycling and further the goal of a society with zero waste.
The PU elastomer fibre swells with the new foreign material removal technique which breaks the chemical linkages, and the new processing agent dissolves them.
To maximise decolourisation of the polyester fibre, the agent simultaneously removes unwanted contaminants, including colours. The processing agent can be collected and reused to reduce environmental burden and system costs. By using this technique, recycled polyester materials can be produced that can be recycled chemically.
With the rise in popularity of casual wear, quick-drying, wrinkle-resistant, and comfortable clothes, stretchable polyester clothing containing PU elastomer fibre is becoming more and more common.
However, as 100 per cent polyester goods are assumed by standard chemical recycling method for polyester, the quality of the recovered product degrades when PU elastomer fibres are added. Thus, it’s crucial to take the PU elastomer fibre out of any polyester clothing that is thrown away.
