Selective Separation and Recovery of Nylon from Textile Waste

HKRITA
Overview

This eco-friendly solution extracts and recovers nylon from textile waste using green solvent under ambient conditions. The molecular chains of the recovered nylon fibre remain intact, preserving its quality and value, and making it suitable for reuse in garment production.

  • Selective Separation and Recovery of Nylon from Textile Waste
Research completion
2024
Commercialisation opportunities
technology licensing agreement
Problem addressed

Current recycling methods struggle to separate nylon from blends, and rely on expensive processes that involve high temparature and harsh solvents.

Innovation
  • The system enables 99.8% solvent reuse. As the process operating at ambient temperature and pressure, it requires significantly less energy.
  • The technology prevents damage to nylon’s molecular chains. The recovered nylon exhibits a tensile strength exceeding 400 MPa, making them suitable for sportswear production without the addition of virgin nylon.
  • This method not only separates nylon but also preserves the integrity of the other components, enabling comprehensive recycling of blended textiles.
Key impact
  • A life cycle analysis of this technology shows that the data reveal significant improvements across several key indicators.
  • By avoiding the use of harsh chemical treatments that endanger human health and the environment, the technology reduces health risks by over 90% and environmental damage by 80% compared to traditional methods.
  • The recycling of nylon waste reduces reliance on crude oil and decreases natural resource depletion by 40%.
Award
  • Gold Medal in the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva (2025)
Application
  • Separating and recovering nylon offers an alternative to virgin nylon fibre
  • A new recycling method of post-consumer garment made of nylon

Patent

  • PCT/CN2024/094653
  • 2025105553362
  • PCT/CN2025/093874
  • 2025109808604
  • PCT/CN2025/113898
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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