Page 388 - Solid Waste Analysis and Minimization a Systems Approach

366 APPAREL- AND FABRIC-MANUFACTURING APPLICATIONS

26.4 Potential Technologies

and Strategies

Fiber reclamation mills grade incoming material into type and color. The color sorting
means no re-dying has to take place, saving energy and pollutants. The textiles are
shredded into “shoddy” fibers and blended with other selected fibers, depending on the
intended end use of the recycled yarn. The blended mixture is carded to clean and mix
the fibers and spun ready for weaving or knitting. The fibers can also be compressed
for mattress production. Textiles sent to the flocking industry are shredded to make
filling material for car insulation, roofing felts, loudspeaker cones, panel linings, and
furniture padding.
For specialized polyester-based materials the recycling process is significantly
different. The first step is to remove the buttons and zippers and then to cut the gar-
ments into small pieces. The shredded fabric is then granulated and formed into
small pellets. The pellets are broken down, polymerized, and turned into polyester
chips. The chips are melted and spun into new filament fiber used to make new
polyester fabrics.
Some companies create new pieces of clothing from scraps of old clothes. By com-
bining and making new additions, the eclectic garments are marketed as a type of
style. Thrift stores and secondhand stores may be an outlet for these types of fabrics.
Many companies have been able to cost-effectively reuse fiber scraps or “cutouts” as
a raw material. Carpet padding, mattress filling, firewalls, and pet beds are several
examples in which these materials may be reused. The organizations that will reuse
these materials will require the material safety data sheets (MSDS) for each material to
ensure no toxins or dangers exist for workers or future customers. Numerous material
exchanges exist where organizations may list material available or needed. The EPA
provides a Web site with several popular material exchanges at http://www.epa.gov/
jtr/comm/exchstat.htm.

26.5 Implementation and Approach

The hierarchy of solid waste minimization plays a very large role in this sector. As the
majority of the wastes generated are fibers, emphasis should first be placed on elimi-
nating the waste via more efficient material usage. If a cutout is made, steps could be
taken to reduce the leftover material by adjusting patterns. The organization could also
work with the supplier for additional insights.
Next, with the remaining waste generated, a feasibility analysis should be conducted
to analyze in-process recycling. In other words, can the scrap material be processed in
the same facility to be used as a raw material input into the same process? This may
require specialized equipment and training and a full economic evaluation should be
performed.