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A collaboration between HKRITA and H&M Foundation leads to the 'Green Machine' recycling technology that is able to fully separate and recycle blends of cotton and polyester.

Last updated: Aug 22, 2021

Summary

The Green Machine is a close loop recycling technology which can fully separates cotton and polyester blends at scale without damaging the polyester fibre quality and using an innovative and efficient hydrothermal method. It is the outcome of a four-year long collaboration between HKRITA and the H&M Foundation and ISKO just signed a licensing agreement which will help to commercialise this technology.

Problem

The Green Machine technology address the issue of post-consumer textile waste blends. In particular the hydrothermal technology is able to separates cotton and polyesters fibres, without compromising the polyester fibres.

Solution

The Green Machine is an innovative technology, which decomposes cotton into cellulose powders and enables the separation of polyester fibers from blended fabrics. One of advantages of this method is that it does not damage the polyester fibers and therefore maintains their quality. Additionally, the closed-loop process uses only water, heat and less than 5 percent biodegradable green chemicals. Being a close loop technology water, heat and chemicals are re-used allowing no secondary pollution.

Outcome

The output of the Green Machine is a good quality polyester fibres which can be used to make new garments and a cellulose powder which can be use in multiple ways, such as improving cotton farming. The Green Machine technology is still at a pilot phase, however Isko announced a licensing agreement with HKRITA to improve and commercialised this recycling technology. It is expected to process approximately 1.5 tonnes of textiles per day.