In a groundbreaking initiative at Deakin University’s Institute for Frontier Materials, scientists have discovered a novel way to recycle the mounting piles of textile waste in Australia. After five years of rigorous experimentation, the team has successfully converted old clothing into a fine pigment that could be used to color new textiles, paint, and even plastic.
The process begins with the shredding of fabric into a fluffy substance using industrial milling equipment. This material is then further processed into a liquid form, which, upon drying, yields a versatile pigment available as a paste, clay, or powder. This eco-friendly pigment is a significant step away from traditional petrochemical-based dyes, aligning with sustainable practices and environmental conservation.
The innovation has already seen practical applications, with artists across Victoria testing the pigment as a medium for their artwork. Kiri Tawhai, a multimedia Indigenous artist, expressed enthusiasm for the pigment’s potential, despite the colors being less vibrant than conventional paints. The commitment to environmental stewardship resonates deeply with her cultural values, making the prospect of using recycled materials in art particularly appealing.
Moreover, the pigment has been utilized to create a line of T-shirts, demonstrating its practical application in textile production. However, the technology currently faces limitations, such as the need for manual separation of textile colors and the challenge of breaking down blended materials, especially those containing polyester.
Dr. Rangam Rajkhowa, the lead scientist on the project, acknowledges that while work continues to overcome these hurdles, there have been promising developments. The textile recycling industry, particularly in Europe, is making strides towards automating the separation process.
The urgency of addressing clothing waste is underscored by the Australian Fashion Council’s statistics, which estimate that around 210,000 tonnes of clothing are discarded annually in Australia. Danielle Kent, the council’s project director, sees Deakin’s work as a vital innovation that requires scaling up through investment and government support.
The potential for this pigment technology is vast, with applications ranging from manufacturing to art. Ben Kaminsky, co-founder of Textiles Recyclers Australia, is keen on establishing a factory near the university to produce the pigment on a commercial scale. The environmental impact of the recycling process is also being assessed, with preliminary findings suggesting that the majority of the water used can be reclaimed.
This discovery at Deakin University represents a significant leap towards sustainable fashion and waste management. It not only offers a creative use for discarded textiles but also paves the way for a more responsible and environmentally conscious industry.