Denim Fabric Fiber Recovery by Mechanical Warp-Weft Separation
Overview
The project aims to develop a novel mehanical method to conduct separation of denim fabric without the use of water or chemicals and recover the warp and weft yarns and fibers. After separating the warp yarn from the weft yarn, the indigo-dyed warp yarn and weft yarn can be recovered and recycled.
Technical name of innovation
Denim Fabric Cotton Recovery by Mechanical Warp-Weft Separation
Research completion
2023
Commercialisation opportunities
Technology licensing
Problem addressed
Denim recycling has been in demand by the industry. While denim generally are woven fabrics that consist of indigo-dyed yarns, recycling purely the indigo-dyed warp yarns can reduce water and energy consumptions in producing indigo dyed-yarns.
Innovation
- The separation system is embedded with an automated vision detection system of fabric structure and density.
- The system monitors and provides real-time feedback over the separation process.
Key impact
- This technology offers a new, fast, and convenient method to recycle indigo dyed fibers from denim to satisfy the growing demand of recycled materials with even higher saving in water and energy consumptions.
- The separation method minimises the damage on textile fiber and reduces lead time and process spent in the indigo dyeing.
Application
- The system separates warp-weft yarns in a denim fabric in a mechanical process. Indigo-dyed yarn is recovered and preserved in good quality for further recycling.
The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA)
Established in 2006, The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) is funded by the Innovation and Technology Commission of the HKSAR government, and hosted by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
HKRITA has achieved research deliverables over the years around our research clusters targeting in sustainability, industry advancement and social benefits through our centre-owned research teams and laboratories as well as collaborations with industry partners and institutions.
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