Physics Maths Engineering
The Invisible Barrier to Safe Textile Recycling
Abstract
Presence of certain chemical additives (e.g. halogenated flame retardants, perfluoroalkyl substances, and phthalates) could hinder textile recycling operations as their presence renders end-of-life materials as “hazardous” and therefore not recyclable;• In 2018, there was an estimated minimum of 1.7 million tonnes of hazardous and unrecyclable textile waste generated in the EU;• Blanket-bans on classes of chemicals would likely be partially effective in reducing environmental uptake of and human exposure to harmful chemicals, but could also lead to increased use of “regrettable substitutions” with unforeseen implications;• Legislative restrictions on chemicals must be accompanied with reduction in demand: reducing volume of textile waste generated by reducing volume consumed, thus eliminating necessity for huge volume of chemical additives in the first instance.
Key Questions about Chemical Additives in Textile Recycling
The article "The Invisible Barrier to Safe Textile Recycling" by Martin Sharkey and Marie Coggins examines how certain chemical additives in textiles, such as halogenated flame retardants, perfluoroalkyl substances, and phthalates, can hinder recycling operations. These substances render end-of-life materials hazardous, making them non-recyclable. In 2018, the European Union generated an estimated minimum of 1.7 million tonnes of hazardous and unrecyclable textile waste due to these chemicals. The authors suggest that blanket bans on classes of chemicals may reduce environmental uptake and human exposure to harmful substances but could also lead to the use of "regrettable substitutions" with unforeseen implications. They advocate for legislative restrictions on chemicals to be accompanied by a reduction in demand, thereby decreasing the volume of textile waste generated and the necessity for chemical additives. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
1. How do chemical additives affect textile recycling?
Chemical additives like halogenated flame retardants, perfluoroalkyl substances, and phthalates can render end-of-life textiles hazardous, making them non-recyclable. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
2. What is the scale of hazardous textile waste in the EU?
In 2018, the EU generated an estimated minimum of 1.7 million tonnes of hazardous and unrecyclable textile waste due to these chemical additives. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
3. What are the potential consequences of blanket bans on chemical classes?
While blanket bans may reduce environmental uptake and human exposure to harmful chemicals, they could also lead to the use of "regrettable substitutions" with unforeseen implications. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
4. What approach do the authors recommend for addressing chemical additives in textiles?
The authors recommend that legislative restrictions on chemicals be accompanied by a reduction in demand, thereby decreasing the volume of textile waste generated and the necessity for chemical additives. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
