The textile industry has faced persistent challenges in separating plastic and cotton in blended fabrics, hindering recycling efforts. However, a team of innovative chemists from the University of Copenhagen has devised a remarkable solution to revolutionize polyester recycling. This breakthrough has the potential to greatly enhance the sustainability of the textile industry.

"Addressing the pressing need for an effective approach to deal with blended fabrics such as polyester/cotton, the textile industry is currently faced with limited practical methods that can recycle both cotton and plastic. Typically, it's a challenging either-or situation. However, our team of researchers, led by post-doc Yang Yang from the Jiwoong Lee group at the University of Copenhagen's department of chemistry, has made a remarkable discovery. We have developed a straightforward and environmentally friendly technique that allows us to depolymerize polyester into its monomers while simultaneously recovering cotton on a significant scale, measuring in hundreds of grams. This ground-breaking traceless catalytic methodology has the potential to be a game-changer in the industry," explained Yang Yang, the lead author of the study.

According to an article published on the University of Copenhagen's online portal, the solution was unveiled by employing heat, a regular and non-toxic solvent, and a common household substance.

Shriaya Sharma, a co-author of the study and a doctoral student from the Jiwoong Lee group at the department of chemistry, explained the process by saying, "For instance, we can take a polyester dress, cut it into small pieces, and place them in a container. Then, we add a mild solvent and hartshorn salt, which is commonly recognized as a leavening agent in baked goods. The mixture is heated to 160°C and left for 24 hours. As a result, the liquid separates into distinct layers, with the plastic and cotton fibers settling. This process is simple and cost-effective."

The process involves the utilization of hartshorn salt, also known as ammonium bicarbonate, which undergoes decomposition into ammonia, CO2, and water. The combination of ammonia and CO2 initiates a specific reaction known as selective depolymerization, which effectively breaks down the polyester while leaving the cotton fibers unharmed. While ammonia can be potentially hazardous on its own, when combined with CO2, it becomes safe and environmentally friendly. The mild nature of these chemicals ensures that the cotton fibers remain in excellent condition.

Currently, this technique has only been validated in laboratory settings, but its potential for wider applications is evident. The scientists are actively collaborating with businesses to assess the feasibility of implementing this procedure at an industrial scale.

Photo:ww.fashionnetwork.com

Coach parent Tapestry to buy Michael Kors owner in $8.5 billion deal

On August 10th, it was announced that Tapestry, the parent company of Coach, will acquire Capri, the owner of Michael Kors, in a deal worth $8.5 billion. This acquisition will establish a leading U.S. fashion house capable of competing more effectively against larger European competitors in the global luxury market. Tapestry will pay $57 per share in cash, which represents a premium of approximately 65% compared to Capri's premarket trading price of $51.83.

U.S. luxury companies have consistently fallen behind their European counterparts like LVMH, which possesses an impressive portfolio of 75 brands including renowned names like Tiffany, Louis Vuitton, and Dior.

The agreement will unite Tapestry's collection of brands, including Kate Spade, with Capri's prestigious labels Jimmy Choo and Versace, creating a consolidated entity.

This merger has the potential to bolster the companies amidst challenges faced by the U.S. retail sector, characterized by sluggish domestic demand due to persistent inflation, which is impacting consumer spending. Additionally, the recovery in the crucial Chinese market remains uneven.

According to Neil Saunders, the Managing Director of GlobalData, the declining demand has created challenges for Tapestry and Capri, leading both companies to seek growth opportunities in international markets. As a larger entity resulting from the merger, they would have greater confidence in pursuing ambitious international strategies, providing them with increased stability and security.

Photo:www.stylishbynature.com

Capturing the ‘spectacularly unspectacular’ reality of abortions and reproductive health facilities

Shortly before Ohio voters rejected a Republican effort to restrict amendments to the state's constitution, particularly in anticipation of a significant abortion referendum, a new exhibition at the Minneapolis Institute of Art was unveiled. The installation, created by artist Carmen Winant, seeks to remove the stigma surrounding the medical procedure. Titled "The Last Safe Abortion (until 31 December 2023)," the artwork incorporates images sourced from clinics, universities, and historical archives in Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, and Ohio. Additionally, Winant includes photographs she captured in contemporary reproductive health facilities to highlight the everyday yet crucial work performed in these spaces.

Winant emphasizes, "The fundamental principles of my feminism revolve around my reproductive rights and autonomy. These are vital for our freedom. I have always held this belief and acted upon it in various ways. However, within my artwork, these ideals have not been explicitly addressed, at least until now. Given the escalating crisis surrounding access to reproductive care, it has become increasingly imperative to incorporate this subject matter into my artistic expression."

To gather material for the installation, Winant began delving into local archives and contacting clinics for documentation. Among the earliest images in her collection are ones from the University of Minnesota dating back to the 1940s and 1950s, a time when abortion was largely illegal in the United States. The majority of the photographs, however, span from the 1960s to the present day, a period in which the Roe v Wade Supreme Court decision, which was recently overturned, made the procedure safer.

Winant expanded the historical record by capturing images within modern clinics, which she acknowledges as an act of great generosity on the part of the clinic staff, considering the sensitivity of their work. She explains, "These different sources of input are all interwoven, existing across different time periods."

The installation at the Minneapolis gallery occupies a significant portion of the space, featuring a floor-to-ceiling collage composed of thousands of photographic prints. Remarkably, the exhibition does not require a disclaimer for viewers, as the images depict routine scenes. Winant expresses her satisfaction with this aspect, stating, "It was crucial for me to include 'abortion' in the title of the exhibition, and I am pleased that the museum allowed me to do so. I'm uncertain if this would have been possible in an Ohio museum, where I reside."

When discussing challenging subjects, Winant believes in the importance of naming them. She remarks, "Sometimes, you have to acknowledge it, and that is part of the process of destigmatizing it."

Photo：www.theartnewspaper.com