Researchers at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore have developed a new solvent-free recycling technology that could help address one of the textile and packaging industry’s most persistent sustainability challenges.
The innovation enables the efficient separation and recovery of materials from mixed waste streams without relying on hazardous chemical solvents, offering a cleaner and potentially more scalable recycling solution.
The technology, known as Depolymerization-Induced Polymer Separation (DIPS), uses a process called reactive extrusion, in which standard industrial extrusion equipment functions both as a manufacturing tool and a chemical reactor. During the process, specific polymer components are selectively broken down while other materials remain intact, allowing them to be separated and recovered for reuse.
Unlike many conventional recycling methods that depend on chemical solvents for material separation, the NTU-developed approach operates without solvents and at normal atmospheric pressure. This reduces environmental impact while potentially lowering operational complexity and costs for recycling facilities.
Laboratory testing demonstrated that recovered materials retained much of their original performance characteristics. Researchers reported that the recycled polymers achieved mechanical properties close to those of virgin materials, making them suitable for practical industrial applications and supporting the development of higher-value recycling streams.
The breakthrough aligns with broader efforts to advance circular economy practices within the textile and packaging sectors. NTU has been actively involved in sustainability-focused research through initiatives such as the RGE-NTU Sustainable Textile Research Centre, which works on cleaner recycling technologies, fibre recovery, waste reduction, and sustainable material innovation.
Researchers believe the technology could eventually be adapted for a wider range of mixed-material waste streams, including complex textile products that are traditionally difficult to recycle. The team is now exploring collaborations with industry partners to validate the process at larger scales and accelerate commercial adoption.
As sustainability requirements continue to tighten across global supply chains, innovations such as NTU’s solvent-free recycling technology could play a significant role in reducing waste, improving resource efficiency, and supporting the transition toward more sustainable textile and materials manufacturing.