ITA Aachen advances thermomechanical textile recycling

The technical centre of the Institute for Technical Textiles (ITA) at RWTH Aachen University has expanded its recycling capabilities with the installation of a pellet press from Amandus Kahl.

The new system is designed to compact shredded synthetic textiles at throughput rates of up to 25 kilograms per hour, converting them into pellets. The pellets are characterised by uniform geometry, defined bulk density and reliable flow properties, allowing for precise dosing and continuous feeding into an extruder.

This development supports the establishment of a pilot-scale thermomechanical textile recycling line at the institute. By transforming post-consumer or post-industrial textile waste into consistent pellet form, the process improves handling efficiency and material flow during extrusion, which is critical for stable recycling operations.

Among the institute’s current research activities is the thermomechanical recycling of textiles made from polylactic acid (PLA). This work is being conducted within the RePLAy research project under the Biotexfuture initiative, supported by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space. The project focuses on advancing bio-based textile recycling pathways and strengthening circular material systems within the textile sector.