The sector currently accounts for around 10 per cent of global carbon emissions and almost 90 per cent of post-consumer fibre waste is disposed of through incineration or in landfills.

Among these forms of waste, synthetic fibre has become a major threat to the environment and human health because, like other plastics, it is not biodegradable in nature.

Owing to its low cost and durability, polyester is the most widely used synthetic fibre on the planet, accounting for more than half of all fabrics annually produced.

Now, a research team from the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT) has developed a “chemical sorting” process that separates polyester from waste textiles that are disposed of in a mixed and contaminated form.

In the process, a unique chemical compound, which selectively disrupts the chemical interaction between polyester and the dye used for its colour, is used for the separation.

The researchers have also developed a...