Aquafil Unveils Breakthrough In Textile Recycling
After over a decade of research and innovation, Aquafil has achieved a major milestone in textile recycling with the launch of the world’s first demonstration plant capable of chemically separating elastic fibres from nylon. This groundbreaking technology addresses one of the textile industry’s toughest recycling challenges, reinforcing Aquafil’s leadership in responsible innovation.
The journey began in 2013 when Aquafil partnered with Georgia Tech University to explore solutions for recycling mixed fibres. Despite initial setbacks, the company’s relentless R&D efforts led to a breakthrough in 2022 with a refined patent. Now, with the pilot plant in operation, what was once impossible has become reality—effectively recovering elastic fibres from blended fabrics such as sportswear and swimwear, which were previously unrecyclable.
By overcoming this long-standing barrier, Aquafil unlocks new possibilities for circularity, reducing textile waste and reliance on virgin materials. The recovered nylon will be regenerated at the Econyl plant, enabling its reuse in high-quality textile applications.
The next step is scaling up to industrial production, with Aquafil working closely with strategic partners to build a robust recycling supply chain.
“This milestone demonstrates how cutting-edge technology can tackle even the toughest environmental challenges—turning waste into value and advancing the shift to a truly circular economy,” said Giulio Bonazzi, CEO of Aquafil.
