This presentati on examines the current state of textile recycling technologies\, with a focus on mechanical recycling and explores the key challenges hindering t he transition to a circular textile system. Particular attention is given to the need for greater systemisation and standardisation throughout the textile value chain. Mechanically recycled fibres (from post-consumer wa ste)\, in particular\, differ from their virgin counterparts in key proce ssing properties ? and will remain to do so in the near future. This appl ies\, for example\, to fibre length distribution\, friction behavior and fibre breakage tendency. For chemically recycled fibres\, resource consum ption\, feedstock security and market stabilisation in the post-consumer sector remain largely uncertain.?
\nAlthough significant technolo
gical advances have been made in the automated sorting of a large portion
of textile waste\, the purification of these waste streams and their gen
tle opening and processing\, a growing momentum is evident only in a smal
l portion of the textile waste generated. On the one hand\, the goal must
be to achieve more consistent and high-quality recycled material propert
ies. However\, expertise in the appropriate processing of recycled fibres
\, material classifications\, product information systems\, quality asses
sment methods and recycling-oriented design principles is also essential
for improving material flows. Thus\, increasing recycling efficiency and
strengthening market confidence in secondary raw materials.?
The presentation argues that technological innovations alone are not suff icient to achieve a circular economy on a large scale. Rather\, the devel opment of systemic and reliable feedstocks\, the efficient use of data in material flow management\, the analysis and processing of recycled mater ials and interoperable systems are necessary to align the interests of st akeholders and enable effective circular business models. By highlighting current obstacles and opportunities\, the presentation demonstrates how systematistion and standardisation can serve as decisive factors in advan cing the circular economy in the textile sector and supporting the broade r transition to a sustainable circular economy?
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