Runaway success for recycling textiles

By Nina Notman2024-10-04T06:21:00

Source: © Shutterstock/IOIO IMAGES

Fast fashion context for teaching recycling and polymers to use with your 14–16 learners

Scientists have developed a new chemical recycling method that can break down polyester and spandex in mixed textile waste while preserving cotton and nylon. This offers a potential solution to the environmental impact of the fashion industry. The process involves using microwave-assisted glycolysis with a zinc oxide catalyst to separate and recycle the different components of textiles. Use this story and the accompanying summary slide for a real-world context when studying polymers and recycling with your 14–16 learners.

Thanks for using Education in Chemistry. You can view one Education in Chemistry article per month as a visitor.

A photograph of a teacher standing in a white lab coat, speaking with a class of children in a laboratory, is superimposed on a colourful background. Text reads "Teach Chemistry means support for classroom and staff room".

Register for Teach Chemistry for free, unlimited access

Registration is open to all teachers and technicians at secondary schools, colleges and teacher training institutions in the UK and Ireland.

Get all this, plus much more:

unlimited access to resources, core practical videos and Education in Chemistry articles
teacher well-being toolkit, personal development resources and online assessments
applications for funding to support your lessons

Set up your Teach Chemistry account

Already a Teach Chemistry member? Sign in now.

Not eligible for Teach Chemistry? Sign up for a personal account instead, or you can also access all our resources with Royal Society of Chemistry membership.