Textile Recycling Technologies, Colouring and Finishing Methods

circular economy: 
an economic system where resources are kept in use for as long as possible, with 
maximum value extracted from them whilst in use, followed by the recovery and regeneration of new 
products and materials at the end of each service life. 
(WRAP UK) 
closed-loop recycling (textiles): 
processes where discarded textiles are converted back to new yarn and 
fabrics to be used for subsequent apparel/garment production. 
colourant: 
a substance that is applied to impart colour to a material or surface, such as a dye or pigment. 
downcycling (textiles): 
a process whereby textile materials are converted into products of lower value (or 
inputs for such products), that do not fully utilize the material properties
. (Oakdene Hollins, 2014) 
Examples include insulation, or fill materials. 
dye: 
an organic (or inorganic) molecule used to impart colour to textile fibres. Dyes are classified based 
on their mode of application. They are either soluble or undergo an application process by which the 
crystal structure may be temporarily modified (absorption, solution, mechanical retention, ionic or 
covalent chemical bonds). Dyestuffs include substances that can be used as a dye. 
(Ammayappan, 2016; 
ETAD –The Ecological and Toxicological Association of Dyes and Organic Pigment Manufacturers)) 
fast fashion: 
an approach to supplying (creation, manufacturing, marketing) apparel based on low 
production cost, and fast production time by mass production. It enables fashion trends and styles to be 
widely available to consumers at low cost. 
 
finishing (chemical): 
this process involves the addition of chemicals to textile materials to impart 
improved functions or desired characteristics. 
natural fibre: 
textile fibres of plant, animal (protein), or mineral based origin. Man-made 
cellulosics/fibres are also classified as natural fibres.