Textile Sorting
Hyperspectral imaging has a lot to offer within the increasingly prominent and important world of textile sorting - a sector that is set to grow significantly in the coming years due to EU regulations that will take effect in 2025.
Textile sorting plays a crucial role in addressing environmental issues by facilitating the recycling and reuse of materials, which helps reduce waste and conserve resources. As the clothes manufacturing industry is a significant contributor to global pollution, efficient textile sorting systems can significantly mitigate this impact. By separating textiles based on their material composition, color, and condition, sorted items can either be repurposed, upcycled, or recycled into new products, thus reducing the need for new materials and minimizing the overall environmental footprint.
Norsk Elektro Optikk (NEO) has, in collaboration with Norsk Tekstilgjenvinning (NTG) and Steco Miljø, created a fully integrated optical textile sorter. Featuring an integrated solution from NTS (Norsk Tekstilsortering), conveyor belts and sorting hardware from Steco and hyperspectral technology from HySpex by NEO, the sorter allows for automatic classification and sorting of textiles, and can sort 4 to over 100 types/mixtures of fibers.
The use of hyperspectral imagers significantly enhances the efficiency and accuracy of textile sorting by enabling the precise identification of different fibers and materials. By analyzing the unique spectral signatures of various fabrics, hyperspectral imagers can quickly and accurately sort textiles into specific categories, such as cotton, polyester, or wool, which is essential for effective recycling. This technology not only speeds up the sorting process, but also leads to higher recycling rates and a more sustainable management of textile waste.
The demand for improved waste sorting in EU states
Starting in 2025, EU Member States will be required to put separate collection systems in place for textiles.¹
The EEA briefing ‘Management of used and waste textiles in Europe’s circular economy’ shows the current state of textile waste generation, collection systems, treatment capacity and the different classifications for used textiles in Europe.
According to the EEA estimate, around 16 kg of textile waste per person was generated in the EU in 2020. Only about one quarter of this amount (4.4 kg) was collected separately for reuse and recycling, but the rest ended up in mixed household waste. Of all textile waste, 82% came from consumers and the rest was waste from manufacturing or textiles that were never sold.²
The EU Waste Framework Directive (WFD) mandates Member States to have separate collection systems for used textiles from next year. The European Commission has also proposed a targeted revision of the WFD to introduce mandatory Extender Producer Responsibility for textiles in all Member States to make producers responsible for the full life cycle of textile products, from their design to waste management. The Commission proposal is also introducing separate collection rules for textiles and sorting requirements for used textiles shipment.
According to a survey conducted by the EEA in 2023, most EU Member States already had separate collection systems in place but mostly to capture reusable textiles. The EEA report warns that, besides separate collection, sorting and recycling capacities need to be scaled up in Europe to avoid that collected textiles end up in incinerators, landfills, or are exported to regions outside the EU.
NEO: Leading Original Equipment Manufacturer
NEO, through the brand HySpex, is recognized as a leading original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of hyperspectral systems for many key service providers in various industries. While the use of this technology is still in its early stages, it is expected to become increasingly common in the coming years. NEO provides camera modules or fully-integrated hyperspectral solutions that come with real-time processing software. For those who prefer to manage the software independently, a platform-independent Software Development Kit (SDK) is provided to support development needs.
NEO is continuing to innovate, collaborate and offer new solutions within the fields of hyperspectral imaging. If you’re looking to increase efficiency and lower costs for your operation, please contact us for more information.
1. https://www.eea.europa.eu/en/newsroom/news/most-textile-waste-goes-unsorted
2. https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/management-of-used-and-waste-textiles