Development of an Automated Method for Disassembly and Separation of Apparel for Recycling

The overarching goal of this project is to develop a system that can rapidly and accurately characterize, then dismantle (detach), disposed garment materials by composition, thereby allowing for final separation into high purity, and therefore higher value, secondary material streams.

The technology solution to be delivered at the end of the project will be a proof-of-concept system that implements; multi-spectral imaging, garment structural characterization, cutting pattern and path planning, and high-speed cutting, all of these elements will be integrated into a garment conveyance system having appropriate controls and safety features. This project will increase secondary feedstock by 0.66MMT, 27.7 PJ energy reduction, 1.07 MMCO2e. Assumptions based on increasing the recycle if apparel from 13% to 19.5%.