RGE pioneers urban-fit textile recycling
Singaporean manufacturer Royal Golden Eagle (RGE), a major viscose producer via its Sateri and Asia Pacific Rayon businesses, has partnered Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in the establishment of the RGE-NTU Sustainable Textile Research Centre (RGE-NTU SusTex) in the city-state.
Following initial investment of around $4.4 million, the aim is to foster a research environment in which “practical solutions” to issues surrounding next-generation sustainable textile fibres and textile-to-textile recycling may be tested and implemented.
RGE-NTU SusTex was inaugurated by Singapore’s minister for sustainability and the environment, Grace Fu, in early August. On announcing the centre, executive director at RGE, Perry Lim, highlighted how more and more countries are today taking steps to outlaw waste importation, yet current textile recycling technologies are unsuitable for urban environments, such as Singapore's own.
President at NTU, Subra Suresh, echoed Mr Lim's sentiment: “RGE-NTU SusTex is very much aligned with Singapore’s zero-waste vision to build a sustainable, resource-efficient and climate-resilient nation [in the context of the Singapore Green Plan 2030]. This partnership draws on RGE’s industry experience as a global resources-based manufacturing group and leverages NTU’s intellectual assets in materials and environmental chemistry.”
Textile chemists from two NTU schools will pursue research in four key areas: “greener” recycling, particularly that of cellulosic fibres and blends; the intelligent and automated sorting of waste; eco-friendlier dye removal; and next-generation textiles, with a focus on smart and sustainable properties. Professor Hu Xiao from NTU’s School of Materials Science and Engineering will take up the role of research lead.
Meanwhile, RGE also plans to pioneer a textile recycling pilot plant in the locality, where the viability of RGE-NTY SusTex research will be put to the test. This facility is to be low-carbon, low in chemical emissions and energy-efficient, the company said.
Singapore’s Supertree Grove. Credit: Yura Macro.
