The session ‘Sorting and Recycling: Smart Technologies for the Textile Cycle’ provides a comprehensive insight into current developments across the textile circular economy. It will explore advanced sorting solutions for separating end-of-life textiles into different recycling grades as the basis for efficient recycling. Research initiatives such as CirTex showcase practical projects aimed at promoting a circular textile economy. In addition, the session will demonstrate how digital and operational infrastructures enable scalable textile-to-textile recycling. Another key focus is on chemical processes, particularly the depolymerisation of polyester, to return previously unused material streams back into the cycle and thus close the gap in the recycling process.

Presentation by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Stefan Schlichter as part of the event: Sorting and Recycling: Smart Technologies for the Textile Cycle