Autocatalytic Depolymerization for Polyester Blended Textiles Waste

Abstract

Post-consumer blended textiles pose major challenges for recycling due to the coexistence of multiple fiber types, dyes, and other contaminants. Here, we report an autocatalytic strategy that enables efficient glycolysis of polyester blended textiles containing zinc pyrithione antimicrobial agents. Unlike conventional glycolysis, which proceeds through intermolecular nucleophilic substitution, zinc pyrithione coordinates with polyester chains and ethylene glycol at its zinc and oxygen atoms, promoting intramolecular ester bond cleavage. This autocatalytic pathway delivers reaction rates markedly higher than those obtained with state-of-the-art homogeneous catalysts. This method enables staged depolymerization of polyester/cotton/spandex blended textiles while preserving the structure of the cotton fibers. Life-cycle assessment reveals significantly reduced environmental impacts compared with BHET petroleum-derived routes, and techno-economic analysis confirms the economic viability of the process. These results highlight a practical and sustainable approach for the chemical recycling of post-consumer polyester-blended textile waste.