Nylon-6 is valuable but environmentally challenging — it is durable, difficult to degrade, and produced in large amounts. Chemical depolymerization, however, offers a way to recycle nylon back into its original building block (ε-caprolactam) and turn waste into new, high-quality material. This enables a true closed-loop system, reducing the need for fossil resources.
What the Pilot Is Testing
The pilot is led by the University of Ljubljana together with AquafilSLO, a company known for its ECONYL® regenerated nylon. The goal is to test how different types of regional nylon-6 waste — carpets, fishing nets, textile scraps — can be chemically recycled and returned to production.
A second part of the pilot strengthens cross-border cooperation. With the support of the Czech Chemical Industry Association, textile companies in Czechia were identified as potential suppliers of suitable nylon waste. A sample provided by TEBO a.s. showed excellent suitability for depolymerization, confirming the potential for long-term collaboration.
What the Pilot Shows
Chemical recycling of nylon-6 is technically feasible and scalable.
Regional companies can supply valuable waste streams for circular production.
Cross-border collaboration strengthens the regional circular economy.
Looking Ahead
The next steps include expanding collection systems, scaling up recycling volumes, and further optimizing the depolymerization process. The pilot lays a solid foundation for sustainable plastic management in Central Europe, showing how industry and research can work together to close material loops.