Monomer Recycling and Repolymerization of Post-Consumer Polyester Textiles

Abstract

Due to the presence of dyes and additives, textile recycling is challenging, therefore the majority of textile waste is downcycled to low-value products, incinerated or landfilled. In this study, a continuous depolymerization of post-consumer polyester textiles was conducted by alkaline hydrolysis. The degree of depolymerization was assessed and found to be 94 %. After recovering and analyzing the terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol the monomers were successfully polymerized to regain a food grade quality recycled polyethylene terephthalate. The presented recycling approach allows a closed-loop recycling of textiles.