Retain to Sustain | A sustainable monofilament in textiles

RTS Solutions to
# Embracing a mono-material approach

Monofilament

For Improved

Recyclability

For Improved

Recyclability

Mono-material design allows products to be recycled more efficiently.

When products with different materials are thrown away, they can lead to a series of interconnected environmental issues.

The cost and expense of chemical recycling can be risky.

Textile recycling with different materials is a challenging task—especially when it comes to mechanical recycling processes. However, chemical recycling can also be costly and cause environmental pollution.

Large amounts of textile waste accumulate.

Complex, difficult-to-recycle textiles with multiple materials will likely become waste. This can result in environmental burdens, such as landfilling or incineration.

Carbon emissions are on the rise.

The reduction of easily recyclable textiles has led to a shift towards using petrochemical raw materials, resulting in increased carbon emissions. Petrochemical raw materials involve processes such as extraction, refining, and processing, while recycled materials typically require simpler treatment and processing.

The RTS circular design mindset is all about using mono-material in products to be able to concentrate on the re-usability and efficient resource utilization.

Thermoplastic Elastomer Mono.

TPEE Mono.

Recyclable
As a member of the same family as Polyester, it facilitates homogeneous recycling efforts.
Good lightfastness
A cationic dyeable version of TPEE has been developed to address the color fastness issue.

TPU Mono.

Recyclable
Available as polyester-based (good light fastness) and polyether-based (hydrolysis resistant) products.
Low shrinkage, ideal for products with special requirements.

TPA Mono.

Recyclable
Creates elasticity
As a member of the same family as Polyamide, it facilitates mono-material recycling.

Fusible Mono.

Bi-component Mono.

Textiles can be bonded at 110°C - 180°C, in place of adhesives for hetero-material.
Reduce carbon emissions by streamlining processes.

Bi-component Mono.

Textiles can be bonded at 110°C - 180°C, in place of adhesives for hetero-material.
Reduce carbon emissions by streamlining processes.

Bi-component Mono.

Textiles can be bonded at 110°C - 180°C, in place of adhesives for hetero-material.
Reduce carbon emissions by streamlining processes.

Despite the advantages of mono-material design, many challenges remain.

Our goals

Recovery and elasticity of elastic monofilaments trail those commonly used elastic fibers in the industry, such as Spandex. To address these deficiencies, RTS is developing elastic monofilaments that will be more elastic with higher recovery than existing products, while maintaining strength, processability, dyeability, and recyclability.

From a design perspective, opting for a mono-material increases textile recyclability—making this material an ideal choice for multiple applications.

Applications

Footwear

Outwear

Bags

Outdoor equipment