Case: Decolorization of glucose produced from waste textiles

Nouryon Drives Innovation in Textile Waste Recycling 

With the European directive mandating selective collection of textile waste in effect since January 1, 2025, the industry is navigating a pivotal moment. This initiative addresses the alarming 92 million tons of textile waste produced annually. Nouryon, a leader in specialty chemicals works in the forefront of this transformation by developing innovative technologies. 

Tackling the Environmental Challenge 

The textile industry’s substantial consumption of resources and waste generation has long posed environmental challenges. The new directive seeks to address these issues through enhanced recycling and reuse initiatives. We believe that Nouryon’s chemicals will play a key role in developing the technologies needed to convert this waste into valuable products.

Nouryon’s Strategic Approach 

Among others, Nouryon collaborates with ShareTex, a Swedish start-up, to advance the recycling of cellulose-based textile waste. This collaboration focuses on creating solutions that transform the low-quality textile waste into glucose, which is a versatile platform chemical that can be used to produce chemicals with a low carbon footprint. 

A significant challenge is the presence of residual dyes in the glucose solution, which can hinder further use in production of higher value chemicals. Here, Nouryon’s proficiency is essential. 

Innovative Decolorization Method 

The ongoing research shows that by employing Eka®ClO₂ (chlorine dioxide) or Eka®HP (hydrogen peroxide), Nouryon has achieved significant success in removing dyes while preserving the integrity of glucose monomers, maintaining over 95% of glucose content. Furthermore, glucose solutions decolorized with ClO₂ were successfully fermented to produce ethanol.

Leadership in Sustainable Innovation 

Through its collaboration with ShareTex, Nouryon is demonstrating its commitment to sustainable innovation for a circular society. With evolving regulations favoring sustainable practices, the potential for production of higher value chemicals from textile waste is expected to grow. 

Presentation of results 

Nouryon and ShareTex will present their collaborative achievements at the Renewable Resource & Biorefineries (RRB) 2025 conference in Turku, Finland, on June 4th 2025. This presentation will highlight advancements in decolorizing the glucose solution. 

Through ongoing innovation and strategic partnership, Nouryon is leveraging its chemical expertise addressing the environmental challenges posed by the textile industry, paving the way for a circular economy. 

Julie Durruty, Research Engineer at Nouryon

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