Study on recycling system of waste textiles based on colour

Abstract

In Japan, the recycling rate of waste textiles, especially waste clothing, remains low. The more complex the textile structure, the more difficult it is to recycle by classification into raw materials. This study investigates the reduction of the final disposal volume of waste textiles based on colour. We examined valid colour combinations for recycling waste textiles when separated according to these criteria. Further, we employed the waste coloured cotton thread. Colours similar to principal hues from the Munsell Color System were used as the fundamental colour for specimens. We focused on hues in this study and prepared 45 specimens of shoddy by mixing two coloured cotton threads according to the ratios of 25: 75, 50: 50, and 75:25 by weight. We prepared specimens that were then examined with sensory evaluation and colorimetry. As a result, we were able to determine the colour combinations that had high and low favorable ratings. The findings indicated that an interior angle within 85° on the Munsell color circle was a key feature for a high favorable rating. Therefore, it is possible to produce a product with a high favorable rating by mixing waste coloured textiles that are positioned within 85° on the Munsell color circle. © 2013 The Textile Machinery Society of Japan.