From Viscose to Lyocell-Type Fibers: Chemical Recycling of Viscose and Modal Fibers Using the Ioncell Process

Using the Ioncell process, the recycling of low DP textile waste via four case studies, white, blue, and black viscose and white modal fibers, was investigated. The most common man-made cellulose fiber (MMCF) is viscose, a low DP material made of plant-based cellulose, and it accounts for less than 6% of the total amount of textile fibers. Modal, a high-wet modulus viscose fiber, is made by a similar process and presents increased mechanical properties, making it a more durable fiber. Within manufacturing processes, the cellulose polymer is weakened and degraded to an extent that complicates recyclability through conventional methods. The Ioncell technology, a Lyocell-type process developed for the sustainable production of MMCFs, provides the opportunity to repurpose resources from various lignocellulosic waste materials through fiber-to-fiber recycling to create a circular economy. Moreover, the resulting fibers are often stronger than the original fibers, providing textiles of higher quality. Herein, we present the potential of the Ioncell technology for the recycling of low DP textile waste materials. The fibers exhibit exceptional properties, with tenacities up to 1.9 times higher in the dry state compared with their original materials. The fibers were turned into yarn and further used to produce small demonstrators.