Viscose Fibre Production Using Recycled Cellulose Material

Viscose is a synthetic fibre with silk-like outlook and hand feel. While having a wide range of applications, it is commonly used in fast fashion. Wood pulp from logging is used as the raw material in viscose fibre production, and it is produced by energy- and chemical-intensive processes.

To produce viscose fibre, wood pulp in sheet form is converted from wood chips and then made into alkali cellulose and viscose dope for yarn spinning. HKRITA and Daiwabo Rayon Co Ltd joined hands to develop a sustainable approach whereby regenerated composite fibres are produced using recycled cellulose. The recycled cellulose is recovered from textile waste using proprietary hydrothermal separation technology.

Strict Production Requirement

To produce high-quality composite fibres, it is essential to ensure that both the cellulose refinement and the mixing with viscose dope are carried out meticulously. Recycled cellulose obtained from the Green Machine is first reduced to fine particles and dispersed in water. This results in the formation of a cellulose suspension. The cellulose suspension is then properly mixed with the viscose dope. This project has developed efficient procedures to ensure a smooth mixing process. Regenerated composite fibres can be produced through the conventional viscose fibre spinning process.

Benefits of the Novel Technology

The project found that recycled cellulose can make up 15% of the composite viscose fibre content and that, compared to conventional viscose fibre, dyeability of the composite fibre by direct dye is improved by 43%. Furthermore, with the use of appropriate additives, additional functions can be provided. For example, by using UV-blocking additives the UV-blocking function can be enhanced by 45%.

Using recycled cellulose to produce viscose fibre is an eco-alternative to current process

These composite fibres can be produced through the conventional viscose fibre spinning process, thereby helping to ensure commercialisation of the developed technology

This research project receives a Silver Award in the textile category of Special Edition 2022 Inventions Geneva Evaluation Days

Project Video

 

Using recycled cellulose material to produce viscose fibre can reduce the consumption of virgin wood pulp, as well as providing an option for recycling used garments made of cotton fibre. Such an innovative approach to promote sustainable development in the textile industry has garnered a Silver Award in the Special Edition 2022 Inventions Geneva Evaluation Days. To learn more about this project, please visit our exhibition booth at InnoCarnival 2022 from 22 to 30 October (venue: C01, 1/F, 12W, Phase 3, Hong Kong Science Park).