Radici InNova, the RadiciGroup division dedicated to research and innovation, has developed a new recycling process based on selective dissolution technology which is capable of treating mixed textile waste such as swimwear, tights and leggings to recover both nylon and Lycra fibre.

The collaboration with The Lycra Company and lingerie brand Triumph has made it possible to validate the process by using the recovered fibres to create a 100% recycled lingerie set.

The internationally patented process uses non-toxic, non-flammable and environmentally compatible solvents and can be applied to the main types of nylon, both PA6 and PA6.6.

“With this project we have demonstrated for the first time that it is possible to recover fibres from mixed fabrics and reuse them to produce new garments,” said Stefano Alini, CEO of Radici InNova. “This opens up development opportunities for the textile industry. We are proud to have conceived and achieved this important milestone together with our partners and we are ready to take the next steps.”

“Working closely with Radici InNova and Triumph, we have demonstrated that Lycra fibres can retain their renowned stretch and recovery performance – providing comfort, fit and ease of movement – even when reintegrated into the spinning cycle,” added  Nicholas Kurland, Lycra’s product development director.

The project began four years ago, when Radici InNova launched a study of the process for the dissolution and separation of mixed textile fibres. After the initial development phase, subsequent tests made it possible to recover samples of Lycra fibre from multi-material fabrics, which were then sent to The Lycra Company to verify their recyclability. The next step was to demonstrate the feasibility in practice. Triumph provided its own production surplus, a fabric containing 16% Lycra, and from this material, Radici InNova succeeded in recovering both Lycra fibre and nylon. The Lycra fibre was then re-spun by The Lycra Company, while RadiciGroup processed the recycled nylon to produce new Renycle yarn. Using these recycled yarns, a 60-metre black fabric was created, which Triumph used to produce a coordinated lingerie set of bras and briefs, demonstrating the possibility of closing the loop.

“Although still in its early stages, Triumph is proud to contribute to this pioneering initiative and to explore the potential of this recycling technology for future applications,” said Vera Galarza, global head of sustainability at Triumph. “Our next step will focus on developing a capsule collection, while also working on solutions to ensure product identification, traceability and circularity systems, so that garments can remain in use for as long as possible and, once they reach the end of their life, can be recycled in the most appropriate way. Being part of this project strengthens our belief that circularity for garments made from mixed textile fibres is possible, and we are proud to help turn this vision into reality.”

www.radicigroup.com