Chemical Recycling / Material Recycling

Definition and Overview

Material recycling is a method of sorting, shredding, and reprocessing collected textile waste, used products, containers, and similar items, then using them as raw materials or products. In the textile field, examples include using regenerated staple fiber, yarn, or resin pellets.

Chemical recycling is a method of chemically breaking down used materials, returning them to the raw material stage, and reusing them. In particular, for polyester and similar materials, it is used as the idea of converting them back into raw materials and then manufacturing fibers or resin again.

Features and Hand Feel

Using recycled raw materials does not by itself determine the hand feel, function, luster, or appearance of a textile. The finished result changes depending on the type of material, the recycling method, the blend ratio of recycled raw materials, yarn form, weave or knit structure, and dyeing and finishing process.

In material recycling, the base material and changes in fiber length may require mixing with virgin raw materials. Even for chemically recycled products, the use of recycled raw materials is not an indication that guarantees functions such as moisture absorption and quick drying, stretch, or water repellency.

Main Applications

Textiles made with recycled polyester and similar materials are used in a wide range of applications, such as shirts, blouses, outerwear, sportswear, bags, linings, and uniforms. Applications and seasons are determined not by the recycling method but by the fabric weight, structure, thickness, and functional finishing of the textile.

There are also methods that collect and use textile waste generated during the manufacturing process, or use resin derived from collected containers as raw material for yarn. However, because the origin of the raw material alone does not necessarily make it suitable for apparel use, the quality required for the intended product application must be confirmed.

Selection and Handling Notes

When selecting a textile, confirm not only the name of the recycling method but also the blend ratio of materials, recycled raw material content, yarn and textile specifications, lot, and the required colorfastness and strength. When making environmental claims, it is also important to confirm the scope of the recycled raw materials and supporting documentation.

Shrinkage, washing method, iron temperature, and whether tumble drying is allowed depend on the base fiber and finishing. Before cutting, perform laying-out and test sewing, and for lightweight fabrics check needle holes, for heat-sensitive materials check shine or deformation caused by ironing, and for knits check stretch.

• Even with the same recycled polyester, the raw material source and manufacturing method may differ.
• Give priority to the care label and the handling conditions specified by the textile manufacturer.
• Before mass production, conduct washing tests, sewing tests, and checks for color difference and lot-to-lot variation.

Differences from Similar Terms

Recycled polyester is a material name and label for polyester made with recycled raw materials. In contrast, chemical recycling and material recycling are terms that indicate the process or method used to obtain recycled raw materials. The two do not mean the same thing.

Regenerated fiber is also used as a fiber classification for fiber made by chemically dissolving naturally derived raw materials and forming them into fibers. Because this differs from recycling processes that circulate used products, the material and manufacturing concept are different, so the labeling should be checked separately.

Frequently Asked Questions