Textile Recycling Technologies, Colouring and Finishing Methods

Medium to Long-term
•
Traceability of chemicals used in textile processing, understanding of impacts during usage 
(human exposure, washing/drying), and characterization in how they may interfere with 
recycling processes. The monitoring of environmental impacts and efficiencies of new recycling 
technologies adopted is also necessary. 
Long term

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6.0 
CONCLUSIONS
 
“Few industries provide a more immediate image of the pervasive impact of materials than those 
we turn to on a daily basis to clothe us.” 
29
 
The textiles and apparel industry is well positioned as a global industry to address future waste 
management and sustainability challenges. Increased awareness of overall material waste impacts 
across the textile value chain has initiated and incited discussion and strategies towards the 
development of sustainable practices. Looking to the future, collaboration and dialogue among 
stakeholders is crucial.
This report has highlighted existing and emerging technologies in the industry to contribute to this 
overall understanding. The knowledge of present to future developments in recycling, colouring 
and finishing technologies, as well as their enablers is a foundational aspect in assessing and 
guiding the vision and transition for a circular textiles economy.
 

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REFERENCES 
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