As Head of the Institute of Polymer Technology (LKT) and Bavarian Polymer Institute (BPI) in Fürth, I lead the academic and research vision, ensuring the development of innovative curriculum for the students and the advancement of cutting-edge research in polymer science. My role involves fostering collaboration with various industries and our institutions, securing grants for research, and promoting interdisciplinary projects. I manage all scientific and organization aspects, oversee the operation of specialized labs, and ensure high-quality education for students of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at FAU Erlangen-Nurnberg. Additionally, I am responsible for strategic planning, expanding academic programs, and representing the institute in national and international forums to enhance its reputation and impact in the field of polymer technology.
The participation of LKT, FAU Erlangen-Nurnberg in the T-REX Project reflects its commitment to advancing cutting-edge research in textile recycling and circular economy technologies. The T-REX Project, which focuses on developing innovative solutions for textile-to-textile recycling, involves multiple stakeholders across the value chain, including industry partners, research institutions and environmental organizations. However, our role in the project is centered on leveraging our expertise in polymer science and sustainability to address key challenges in recycling processes, such as the technical assessment of collected post-consumer textiles, and to support chemical recycling of textiles from various post-consumer batches throughout the Europe in development of new, recyclable polymer materials. Through our participation in the T-REX Project, we play a vital role in bridging academic research and industrial application, working towards scalable and sustainable recycling technologies that will support the textile industry’s transition to a circular economy.
The biggest challenge in chemical recycling of textiles is achieving efficient polymer separation and depolymerization without compromising material quality and the quantitative analysis of post-consumer textiles. Mixed textiles, which often combine natural and synthetic fibers like cotton with polyester and elastane, present a significant technical obstacle due to the differing chemical structures of these polymers.
Another major challenge is the scalability and cost-efficiency of chemical recycling methods. The processes required for breaking down mixed fibres are often energy-intensive and require expensive chemical inputs. This makes it difficult to scale these solutions commercially compared to the textiles fabricated by using virgin materials while maintaining economic viability.
On the other hand, contaminants in textiles such as dyes, finishes, and other additives, can interfere with chemical recycling processes, leading to lower-quality outputs or requiring additional purification steps. Developing technologies that can handle these contaminants efficiently is crucial for the success of large-scale recycling. We must develop processes that minimize the use of harmful chemicals and reduce energy consumption to truly contribute to a circular economy and meet sustainability goals.
One of the key challenges in textile recycling is the diverse mix of fibres used in fabrics. Blends of natural and synthetic materials are difficult to recycle efficiently. By developing more sophisticated polymer separation and purification methods or creating new polymer designs that are easier to recycle together, we can significantly improve the efficiency and scalability of textile-to-textile recycling.
Additionally, innovations in chemical recycling technologies could enable us to break down mixed or contaminated textiles at the molecular level and rebuild them into high-quality raw materials without degradation. This would expand the range of textiles that can be recycled, from simple single-fiber fabrics to complex multi-material garments. Conversely, enhancing the integration between manufacturers and recyclers substantially mitigates the barriers associated with the recycling process. By focusing on these technological and commercial advancements, we can unlock the potential to close the loop in the textile industry and accelerate progress toward a truly circular economy.
We envision the textile value chain in the future as a fully integrated, circular ecosystem driven by sustainability, advanced technologies, and resource efficiency. By 2050, we anticipate that polymer technology and innovation will have revolutionized the industry, enabling materials to be designed for full recyclability from the outset. The entire value chain from raw material sourcing to end-of-life disposal will be optimized for circularity, minimizing waste and environmental impact.
At the core of this transformation will be the widespread adoption of textile-to-textile recycling. By 2050, we are expecting that advanced chemical and mechanical recycling technologies will enable virtually all textiles to be recycled back into high quality fibres, regardless of complexity or fibre blend. This will be facilitated by breakthroughs in polymer separation and recycling processes, making it possible to recover valuable materials from even the most challenging textile compositions.
Finally, consumer engagement will be crucial. By 2050, the value chain will include closed-loop systems where consumers are actively involved in returning garments for recycling or reprocessing. Brands will operate under circular business models, offering take-back programs, products as a service option, and encouraging longevity through repair and reuse.
