Korean scientists have developed a new chemical technology, called "chemical sorting," which can help recycle post-consumer textiles into valuable monomers that can be reused to create new polymer materials.

This new technology separates polyester from other fabrics in a mixed and contaminated form and uses a unique chemical compound to disrupt the chemical interaction between polyester and the dye used for its color. This allows clean polyester to be extracted from the mixture, which can then be recycled into valuable monomers for the synthesis of polymer materials.

The chemical recycling technology has been licensed to Renew System Co., Ltd. in South Korea, and a demonstration plant is set to open by the end of 2024, with commercial operation planned for 2025. The technology has the potential to substantially reduce waste in landfills and achieve a circular economy in the plastic and textile industries.

The apparel industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions, and synthetic fibers like polyester, which accounts for over half of all fabrics produced, are a major threat to the environment because they are not biodegradable. Unfortunately, almost 90% of post-consumer fiber wastes are either incinerated or deposited in landfills.