Aquafil unveils nylon recycling success after 10 years’ research
After more than ten years of research and innovation, Aquafil has unveiled a demonstration plant capable of chemically separating elastic fibres from nylon.
In 2013, Aquafil partnered with Georgia Tech University to explore solutions for recycling mixed fibres.
Although the initial patent did not lead to industrial-scale results, the company’s R&D continued to work on the problem and in 2022 filed a refined patent that brought them closer to a long-sought solution.
Now, with the launch of this pilot plant, lab successes have translated into real-world application: elastic fibres can be effectively separated from nylon in blended fabrics.
The next step will be refining and scaling the process to an industrial level. To support this, Aquafil has built a network of partners to secure a steady supply of post-use materials.
The nylon recovered through this process will be regenerated at the Econyl plant.
“With this project, Aquafil proves that vision, dedication, and innovation can transform the future of our industry,” said Giulio Bonazzi, CEO of Aquafil. “This milestone demonstrates how cutting-edge technology can tackle even the toughest environmental challenges - turning waste into value and advancing the shift to a truly circular economy.”
Aquafil is a pioneer in the circular economy having developed the Econyl regeneration system, where nylon waste, including carpets and fishing nets, are processed to obtain a raw material – caprolactam – with the same chemical and performance characteristics as those from fossil sources.
