Next generation recycling of composites, technical fabrics and other textiles

22 pages, published in Issue 125, April 2023   Report price: Euro 470.00; US$ 615.00

The scale of the textile waste problem is formidable, and the need for recycling is more pressing than ever. But the volume of fibres being recycled back into new fibres in any kind of circular system amounts to less than 1% of global fibre production. Changes are afoot, however. In particular, a range of initiatives is being driven by the leading apparel brands, and legislation is pending which aims to ensure that fibres of the future will become more widely perceived as valuable resources. In the EU, the separate collection of textile waste will become mandatory from January 1, 2025, and an extended producer responsibility (EPR) scheme for dealing with the waste will be introduced. Also, Euratex is calling for 150-250 dedicated new recycling centres to be established in Europe in the next few years. In the case of carbon fibre composites, only around 1,000 tons of the 60,000 tons produced in 2020 were recycled. But global demand for carbon fibre is likely to outstrip production in the coming years, and this disparity is likely to help drive demand for recycled carbon. A number of recycling methods have been developed which facilitate the reclamation of high quality, clean, reusable fibres. Also, a number of projects have been established for recycling glass fibre composites. In carpets, products are being developed using monomaterials, or single polymer constructions, in order to facilitate recycling. In the workwear sector, strides are being made in the development of methods for recycling uniforms containing para-aramid fibres. These are difficult to recycle but they are non-degradable and can not be incinerated and so they end up in landfill if they are not recycled.

SUMMARY

INTRODUCTION

APPAREL WASTE RECYCLING

• EU extended producer responsibility (EPR) scheme
• Euratex ReHubs initiative
• Five circularity initiatives in Scandinavian countries
• EU exports of used textiles
• Textile recycling company: Lawrence M Barry (LMB) & Co
• Take-back programmes: Reskinned

CARBON COMPOSITES RECYCLING

• Gen 2 Carbon: recycling carbon from waste composites
• Longworth: Deecom pressolysis polymer recycling process
• British standard

GLASS FIBRE COMPOSITES RECYCLING

• Longworth: The Emphasizing Project

CARPET RECYCLING

• Carpet Recycling UK (CRUK)

CLOSED LOOP ARAMID RECYCLING

• Circular technical fibre system: General Recycled

CONCLUSIONS

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Four times a year, Technical Textile Markets provides an overview of the global man-made fibre, nonwoven and technical textile industries. It provides market data and analysis of new and established markets for technical textiles, and is essential reading for senior executives in (or supplying) the man-made fibre, nonwoven and technical textile sectors ? as well as for those who are not involved in the industry on a day-to-day basis, but who need an authoritative source which helps them to quickly gain an understanding of the key issues facing the companies which are actively involved in this fast-growing sector.
Reports in Technical Textile Markets include:
	company and country profiles ? giving you the opportunity to learn from strategies employed by others, in terms of production, sourcing, import/export, infrastructure and development, and plans for the future.
	profiles of the world's top 40 producers of nonwovens ? updated each year with details of developments from each of the leading producers, including acquisitions, investments and divestments, and analyses of trends which the "rising stars" are using to their advantage.
	statistical reports ? including consumption data, by fibre and end-use applications. Regular updates are published for fibre consumption in Japan, the rest of Asia, the USA, and Western Europe.
	market sector information ? analyses of important commercial end-user applications, and profiles of both established and emerging markets which take into account such innovations and developments as nanotechnology and intelligent textiles.
	regular updates on innovations in fibres, technical textiles, apparel and machinery ? including developments in the following categories: fibres and yarns; technical textile fabrics for industrial applications; machinery; technical textiles for apparel; composites; other technical textile products; and technical textile treatments and finishes.
	reports on new technological developments and other topical issues ? with clear, authoritative comments on their economic and commercial significance. The reports bring to your attention the key issues which you can use to develop your business, and provides contact details of useful organisations.
So whether you are involved in man-made fibres, nonwovens or technical textiles ? in manufacturing, converting, import/export, or end use ? or if you are in education or consultancy or investment or finance ? a subscription to Technical Textile Markets will tell you what you need to know about the key trends in the industry.
Technical Textile Markets is available on subscription ? either in printed format only, or in printed and electronic format. If you choose the printed only option, you will receive 4 printed publications a year. Each issue contains five research-based reports (see above) and an editorial.
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Technical textiles are used in a wide range of end-use applications and markets, including agricultural; automotive; building/ construction/ engineering; medical and hygiene; packaging; protective clothing; sports and sportswear; and transport. A subscription to Technical Textile Markets will support your decision making, and provide the information you need to expand into new markets.