东华大学 王华平主任：4亿吨废旧纺织品回收率不足三成，回收利用难点在哪里

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges and advancements in the recycling of waste textiles in China, highlighting the need for improved recovery rates and technological innovations in the industry [2][3][4]. Group 1: Current State of Waste Textile Recycling - China produces over 80 million tons of textiles annually, with more than 20 million tons of waste textiles generated each year, leading to a total waste textile stock of nearly 400 million tons [2]. - The recycling rate of waste textiles in China is less than 30%, with only about 5.15 million tons recycled compared to the over 20 million tons produced annually [2]. - Waste textiles are the least utilized category among five major recyclable solid wastes in urban garbage [2]. Group 2: Challenges in Recycling - Difficulties in Sorting: The variety of textile materials complicates sorting, especially for blended fabrics, leading to increased costs and inefficiencies [3]. - Separation of Foreign Objects: Buttons, zippers, and other non-fabric components pose significant challenges, requiring manual removal which adds to processing costs [4]. - Technical Implementation Issues: Chemical recycling technologies face regulatory hurdles, as local authorities often require operations to be conducted in chemical parks, which may not be feasible for smaller projects [5]. Group 3: Technological Innovations and Future Directions - The article emphasizes the importance of developing new technologies for recycling waste textiles, including chemical, physical, and biological methods [7]. - The shift towards using recycled fibers in clothing is driven by cost considerations and regulatory requirements in markets like the EU, which mandates the inclusion of recycled materials [5]. - Emerging players from upstream raw material industries are leading the charge in transforming waste textiles into new materials, a domain traditionally unexplored by conventional textile companies [5]. Group 4: Upcoming Conference - The 2025 Polymer Recycling Conference will be held in Ningbo from December 11-13, where experts will discuss the current state and future of waste textile recycling technologies [6][12]. - Key topics will include advancements in recycling technologies, regulatory frameworks, and case studies on the application of recycled materials in various industries [12][13].