Dyes used to isolate recyclable PET textile fibr - sportstextiles: Lea SportsTextiles

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Dyes used to isolate recyclable PET textile fibres

19/01/2023
Dyes used to isolate recyclable PET textile fibres
A scientific journal affiliated with the American Chemical Society, ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, has published findings from a team in South Korea that suggest a new way to separate recyclable polyester from waste textiles, based on the chemical properties of the dyes used to colour the fibres during production. 

Led by Cho Joungmo, a group from Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT) also identified a new method for converting isolated post-consumer polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into a bis-2-hydroxyethyl terephthalate (BHET) monomer at temperatures below 150 degrees Celsius. 

Crucially, the team's screening process, which uses biodegradable compounds, can identify both dyed and undyed polyester fibres in clothing by either bleaching the coloured polyester fibres or imparting colour on undyed polyester, the Korea Herald reported. 

KRICT's president, Yi Mihye, told the outlet that plans are already underway to construct a recycling facility able to process roughly 9,100 tonnes of PET annually by the end of 2024 alongside local partner Renew Systems. 

A concept image for the team’s new screening technology. Credit: KRICT

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