Viscose made from recycled textiles by researchers

Researchers at Lund University in Sweden have pioneered a method to transform worn-out cotton sheets into new viscose textiles, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional methods that rely on forest biomass. This innovation holds promise for addressing the pressing need for recycled textiles, crucial for reducing the environmental footprint of the fashion industry.

Conventional viscose production relies heavily on wood cellulose, contributing to deforestation and resource depletion. Moreover, the process involves intensive chemical treatments and consumes significant energy and water. In contrast, the new technique developed by Edvin Bågenholm-Ruuth and his team offers a sustainable solution by repurposing old textiles, thereby conserving valuable forest resources and mitigating textile waste.

The process begins with treating the cotton textiles in a zinc chloride solution, where they undergo transformation into a gel-like substance within an hour. This substance, known as "dissolving pulp," is then separated from the solution and can replace the wood pulp traditionally used in viscose production. Following this, the pulp undergoes further chemical treatments to render it soluble in sodium hydroxide, enabling spinning into viscose fibers.

Notably, the process boasts of several advantages. It utilizes a simple and inexpensive salt, zinc chloride, which dissolves in water, thereby minimizing production costs. Additionally, it reduces the reliance on the toxic substance carbon disulfide compared to standard processes, enhancing environmental sustainability. While further optimization is necessary, the results thus far indicate the potential for producing high-quality viscose fibers from recycled textiles.

Plans for a pilot plant in Europe underscore the practical applicability of this innovative approach, signalling a promising step towards sustainable textile production. With ongoing research and development, this method holds the key to transforming the fashion industry's approach to textile manufacturing, offering a more eco-friendly alternative for the future.