BASF has launched the world’s first commercial-scale Loopamid plant in Shanghai, China, converting textile waste into recycled polyamide 6 to advance sustainable textile manufacturing.

Shanghai, China: BASF, a global leader in the chemical industry, has taken a significant step towards sustainability with the launch of the world’s first commercial-scale Loopamid plant in Shanghai, China. This facility, dedicated to producing recycled polyamide 6, has an annual capacity of 500 metric tons and plays a crucial role in advancing sustainable textile manufacturing.

Stephan Kothrade, Chief Technology Officer of BASF, emphasized the plant’s role in addressing global sustainability challenges. “The plant not only transforms textile waste into valuable resources but also promotes a circular economy,” Kothrade stated. Loopamid is generated entirely from textile waste, catering to the rising demand for sustainable polyamide 6 fibers within the textile industry.

Ramkumar Dhruva, President of BASF’s Monomers Division, highlighted the importance of this commercialization. “Polyamide 6 facilitates textile-to-textile recycling across various fabric blends, including those with elastane. This innovation is set to contribute significantly to the circular economy while helping customers meet their sustainability targets,” Dhruva explained.

Both the newly launched facility and the Loopamid products have been awarded the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certification, ensuring compliance with stringent environmental and social standards. This certification provides assurance to consumers and manufacturers regarding the recycled content and sustainable production processes.

Yarn manufacturers have already started incorporating Loopamid into their products, further solidifying its role in the industry’s transition to sustainability.

Currently, the Shanghai plant utilizes industrial textile waste, such as cutting scraps and defective materials collected from textile manufacturing facilities. However, BASF aims to gradually increase the use of post-consumer textile waste, including end-of-life garments. Recycling these materials poses significant challenges due to the presence of mixed fibers, dyes, and accessories.

To overcome these hurdles, BASF is actively collaborating with industry partners to develop efficient collection and sorting systems for textile waste. This strategic effort is part of the company’s broader vision to close the textile loop and promote sustainable solutions for the global textile industry.

According to TechSci Research, the launch of BASF’s Loopamid plant represents a significant advancement for the chemical industry, particularly in the realm of sustainable material production. By pioneering large-scale recycling of polyamide 6, BASF sets a precedent for other chemical manufacturers to innovate in waste reduction and circular economy initiatives. This development aligns with the industry’s growing emphasis on eco-friendly solutions and regulatory compliance with environmental standards.

Moreover, the facility’s success in converting textile waste into high-value materials opens new market opportunities for chemical firms. The demand for recycled polymers is expected to rise as industries, including fashion and automotive, seek sustainable raw materials. This shift encourages further investment in green chemistry and advanced recycling technologies, enhancing the industry's overall competitiveness.