Conference on Environmental Science and Technology

The textile industry is a major contributor to global pollution, responsible for 20% of water pollution, 10% of annual carbon emissions, 35% of ocean microplastics, and the disposal of 92 million tons of waste in landfills annually. Notably, 35% of textile waste is generated before products even reach consumers, while less than 1% of clothing materials are recycled into new garments. A critical challenge in textile recycling is the separation of blended materials, such as polyester-cotton fabrics, which require distinct processes due to their combined natural and synthetic composition. Effective separation is a prerequisite for efficient recycling of textile waste. Existing separation technologies include spectroscopic methods, chemical treatments, and thermal processes. Spectroscopic techniques, such as near-infrared spectroscopy, allow for material identification but are costly and challenging to scale. Chemical treatments can dissolve or selectively degrade specific components but often involve high chemical usage and energy demands. Thermal processes, while effective for certain applications, risk compromising material quality. These limitations underscore the need for more sustainable and scalable alternatives. This study explores mechanical separation techniques as an environmentally friendly and cost-effective strategy for preparing textile waste for recycling, focusing on their effectiveness in separating polyester and cotton fibers from blended fabrics.Density separation employs saline solutions like NaCl to segregate materials by density, while froth flotation uses air bubbles and surfactants to elevate hydrophobic particles, leaving hydrophilic particles in the solution.By addressing the critical issue of material separation, this research advances circular economy practices in the textile sector, presenting practical solutions to reduce waste, improve recycling rates, and foster sustainability within the industry.