Link: Teijin Group's "Semi-Perpetual" Fabric Recycling Revolutionizes the Apparel Industry
This article in the April 2006 issue of Japan for Sustainability Newsletter (issue #044) describes a "fiber to fiber" recycling process for polyester fabrics that uses chemical processing instead of thermal treatment, such that 90% of the material is recovered with the same or better quality than fiber from petroleum. Based on a life-cycle analysis, 20% less energy is used and CO2 emissions are reduced by 50% compared with fiber made from petroleum. Other projects include recycling of plastic bottles into high-purity bottle resin, avoiding the issue of "down-cycling"
The Teijin Group has the goal of absolute reduction targets, in spite of growing their business. Their goals are:
- "zero emissions of chemical substances
- zero energy loss
- zero waste
- zero accidents"
Teijin also recognizes the importance of collaboration. "Society has only a limited potential to build a truly sustainable society if the activities of participants are not coordinated. It is necessary to create a comprehensive network involving industries, governments, academia, non-profit and non-governmental organizations and consumers."
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