Page 96 - TEXtalks International May/June 2022

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Teijin developed a recycling technology

to recycle colored polyester

that are equivalent to virgin polyester and employs a
new depolymerization catalyst for the conventional
bis (2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET) method
with which spent polyester is chemically
decomposed and purified back into BHET
intermediate raw material before being
re-polymerized into the polyester.

Compared to material recycling, which melts and
molds used products including polyethylene
terephthalate (PET) bottles, DMT-based chemical
recycling results in less deterioration of quality
recycling, but its energy consumption is high. The
Teijin Frontier, the Tokyo-based Teijin Group’s fibers BHET method is often used when recycling colorless
and products converting company, has developed a and transparent PET bottles to new PET bottles but
recycling technology using a new depolymerization there have been difficulties in producing high-quality
catalyst to recycle colored polyester fibers without
losing quality. The new technology also lowers the recycled polyester raw material because foreign
environmental load compared to conventional substances, such as dyes used for colored polyester
recycling. fibers, could not be completely removed, resulting in
discolored recycled raw material. The new process is
The technology is said to result in recycled materials said to overcome this.
Moonlight technologies introduces

Taiwan’s industries showcase plant-based sustainable

innovative smart wearables products technologies for textiles

Taiwan Excellence, the symbol encapsulating providing 24/7 health trend tracking and data
Taiwan’s best and most innovative products, hosted analysis as well as personalized health tips and Moonlight Technologies has launched five new, of the world’s first sustainable, 100% plant-based, air,
the Smart Tech, Smart Clothing: Innovations from fitness tracking functionality in a compact and sustainable, plant-based technologies, which the plastic, and fabric antimicrobial technologies that kills
Taiwan webinar for the Outdoor Retailer Summer lightweight device. New York based company says, reinforces its 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, mold, and fungus. 2)
Show. Taiwan is a major player in the global textile foundation mission, to use the power of nature to InsectProof is 100% plant-based and permethrin-free
and apparel industry and has invested heavily in R&D Another product named WiseChip’s innovative Smart create a more sustainable, safer, and healthier world bug repellent technology for fabrics, skin, and hard
in smart textiles. Combining this with our strengths in Cycling Glasses is worth mentioning. Wearing these through plant-based innovation. goods. 3) MindfullyClean is an innovative
smart technology development, Taiwan companies glasses, the cyclists have a brand new riding self-cleaning fabric technology, which allows treated
have consistently created some of the most experience. The glasses, which are actually an IoT The new technologies include EcoArmor, InsectProof, products to stay fresh and clean regardless of use
advanced wearable products on the market. device, put useful connected features in front of the MindfullyClean, OdorSafe, and Natural Dyes. What and rarely needs to be washed. 4) OdorSafe is a
cyclists’ eyes, providing performance information such makes each unique is that they are entirely natural, plant-based technology that permanently
Various products have been shown in the webinar as heart rate monitoring, ride times, distance records, plant-based, 100% natural, and manufactured with a destroys and eliminates bad odors on fabrics.5)
that is reshaping the future. For example, ASUS revolutions per minute, and more. Traditionally, riders carbon-negative manufacturing process. All Natural Dyes are sustainably derived, non-toxic,
VivoWatch BP is the world’s first wearable health would have to take their eyes off the road to check the technologies are applied via standard manufacturing
tracker to integrate a pair of medical-grade ECG and bike computer. WiseChip has been a leading OLED processes and have strong wash durability. biodegradable dyes for hard goods and textiles. It
PPG sensors as well as ASUS HealthAI technology, developer for more than 17 years. can be applied to any fabric type - both synthetic
The list of technologies includes 1) EcoArmor is one and natural.
May/June 2022 May/June 2022