In line with the objectives of the EU Commission’s Circular Economy Action Plan, Radici InNova (a division of RadiciGroup), The LYCRA Company, and Triumph have announced their technological breakthrough, creating a chemical recycling process through selective dissolution for garments made of mixed fibers, sourced from swimwear, tights, and leggings.
This innovation directly addresses the waste challenge by transforming complex textile waste, previously destined for incineration or landfill, into high-quality secondary raw materials.
The process, covered by an international patent, allows nylon and elastane (LYCRA® fiber) to be separated using non-toxic and non-flammable solvents. The project allows not only PA6 and PA66 and LYCRA® fiber to be recovered, but also the solvent itself, regardless of the fabric’s composition percentages.
To demonstrate the technical feasibility of a closed-loop circular economy, the partners created a prototype underwear set: Triumph supplied surplus production containing 16% LYCRA® fiber, Radici InNova separated the fibers through dissolution, and the nylon and LYCRA were transformed into new yarns for the creation of new finished garments.
First closed-loop recycling for mixed textile fibers
Category
End of Life
Europe - Italy