Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have developed a groundbreaking database to enhance textile recycling efficiency. The Near-Infrared Spectra of Origin-defined and Real-world Textiles (NIR-SORT) database contains molecular “fingerprints” of 64 different fabric types, including pure fibers, blends, and real-world samples.
This free resource aims to improve sorting algorithms and enable high-throughput sorting at recycling centers, potentially making textile recycling more economically viable. The database addresses the growing problem of textile waste, exacerbated by fast fashion and complex fabric blends.
Key points:
- In 2018, about 85% of used clothes and textiles ended up in landfills or incinerators.
- NIR-SORT can train AI and machine learning algorithms to enhance fabric identification accuracy.
- The database is part of NIST’s Circular Economy Program, supporting material reuse and recycling.
By providing high-quality reference data, NIST aims to reduce errors in fabric identification and increase textile recycling rates, contributing to a more sustainable textile industry.
For more details on this innovative approach to textile recycling, visit the full article on the NIST website.