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Recycling of Spandex: Broadening the Way for a Complete Cycle of Textile Waste

Author

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  • Mengxue Zhu

    (College of Textile Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Jinzhong 030600, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Chengyong Gao

    (College of Textile Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Jinzhong 030600, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Shuhua Wang

    (College of Textile Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Jinzhong 030600, China)

  • Sheng Shi

    (College of Textile Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Jinzhong 030600, China
    Shanxi-Zheda Institute of Advanced Materials and Chemical Engineering, Taiyuan 030024, China
    Anhui Tianzhu Textile Science Technology Co., Ltd., Jieshou 236000, China)

  • Meiling Zhang

    (College of Textile Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Jinzhong 030600, China)

  • Qianyu Su

    (College of Textile Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Jinzhong 030600, China)

Abstract

With the continuous growth of the global textile and apparel industry, coupled with the increasing demand for comfort in clothing, the use of spandex in blended fabrics has become increasingly widespread. Spandex, a high-elasticity synthetic fiber, is extensively applied in apparel and medical products. However, due to its typically low content in textiles and complex blending with other fibers, the recycling process becomes significantly more challenging. This review focuses on the recycling and utilization of waste spandex and its blended fabrics, analyzing the importance of spandex recovery from blended fabrics. It provides an overview of existing recycling technologies for spandex and its blended textiles, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of physical, chemical, and combined methods. This review emphasizes that the physical dissolution method, due to its simplicity, efficiency, and low cost, is currently the preferred strategy for recycling spandex-blended fabrics. Finally, this review outlines the pathways for reusing spandex after dissolution, offering new insights for enhancing the added value of regenerated materials and promoting the green recycling and utilization of spandex-blended fabrics.

Suggested Citation

  • Mengxue Zhu & Chengyong Gao & Shuhua Wang & Sheng Shi & Meiling Zhang & Qianyu Su, 2025. "Recycling of Spandex: Broadening the Way for a Complete Cycle of Textile Waste," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-19, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:8:p:3319-:d:1630498
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Mohammad Alaghemandi, 2024. "Sustainable Solutions Through Innovative Plastic Waste Recycling Technologies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-37, November.
    2. Maria Cannio & Dino Norberto Boccaccini & Stefano Caporali & Rosa Taurino, 2024. "Superhydrophobic Materials from Waste: Innovative Approach," Clean Technol., MDPI, vol. 6(1), pages 1-23, March.
    3. Roland Franz & Frank Welle, 2022. "Recycling of Post-Consumer Packaging Materials into New Food Packaging Applications—Critical Review of the European Approach and Future Perspectives," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-26, January.
    4. Khaliquzzaman Choudhury & Marina Tsianou & Paschalis Alexandridis, 2024. "Recycling of Blended Fabrics for a Circular Economy of Textiles: Separation of Cotton, Polyester, and Elastane Fibers," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(14), pages 1-49, July.
    5. Jie, Huo & Khan, Irfan & Alharthi, Majed & Zafar, Muhammad Wasif & Saeed, Asif, 2023. "Sustainable energy policy, socio-economic development, and ecological footprint: The economic significance of natural resources, population growth, and industrial development," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 81(C).
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