A selective purification process for removing elastane and residual dyes from textile waste based on subcritical CO₂ technology
Most end-of-life textiles, especially polyester, are blended with elastane, dyes, and other chemicals, making them impossible to recycle at scale. Mechanical recycling methods degrade fiber quality, while chemical methods require clean white feedstocks and rely on harsh solvents. This creates inefficiencies throughout the value chain and contributes to the growing volume of textile waste.
This project aims to develop a scalable, water-free purification process based on supercritical CO₂ to remove elastane and dyes from polyester textiles without damaging the surrounding fibers. By building on Renasens’ core technology, the project addresses a major and critical barrier in textile recycling, enables broader use of collected materials, and supports the EU’s circularity goals.