Professor Aji Mathew’s research group at Stockholm University is developing methods to recycle textiles containing both natural and synthetic fibers.
The textile sector carries significant environmental consequences. Approximately 63 percent of global textiles derive from fossil-based materials with considerable climate implications. Cotton production accounts for 30 percent and brings its own environmental challenges: water depletion, intensive use of pesticides and fertilizers, and toxic air and water pollution during industrial processing.
The research group is focused on finding viable processes to upcycle used textiles, transforming waste into valuable new materials. This work is part of the broader Mistra SafeChem initiative, connecting to Stockholm University’s focus on processing recycled and bio-based materials with reduced environmental footprints.
The team explores innovative chemical and mechanical approaches to separate and process blended textile fibers, enabling the recovery of both natural and synthetic components for reuse in new products.