Arclin and General Recycled Address Aramid Recycling Challenges for Protective Apparel
Arclin and General Recycled are advancing mechanical recycling of meta-aramids and para-aramids from protective apparel, with General Recycled blending 20, 33, or 50 percent recycled fiber into new yarns. Meta-aramids are more compatible with existing textile recycling systems, while para-aramids cause increased wear on processing equipment. Traceability and PFAS contamination remain key barriers, with an estimated 35 million pounds of PFAS-contaminated firefighting gear facing changeout in North America over the next five to seven years.
Manufacturing & Process Note: Recycling aramid protective apparel hinges on lot-level traceability and contamination screening, since PFAS-laden turnout gear and multilayer constructions complicate mechanical reclamation. Plant managers should factor disposal-cost offsets and recycled-content blend ratios into procurement, as recycled aramid economics depend on stable petrochemical pricing and verified input streams.