The Taiwan Textile Research Institute (TTRI) has pioneered a major advancement in circular materials through its Looping Nylon Technique, which transforms discarded fishing nets into high performance, medical-grade nylon membranes. This technology, recognized at the 2025 R&D 100 Awards, directly tackles the environmental challenge posed by Taiwan’s large volume of fishing net waste, estimated at over 2,300 tons annually, and the difficulty of recycling due to severe contamination and mixed-material composition. TTRI’s patented ultrasonic purification process significantly improves recyclability by eliminating embedded pollutants and restoring nylon fiber purity to 98%, while reducing water usage by 90%. The regenerated nylon is further modified to enhance elasticity, durability, and moisture permeability, enabling the production of ultra-thin membranes with strong waterproofing, abrasion resistance, and inherent antimicrobial properties.
To meet the stringent standards of medical applications, TTRI worked with Carilex Medical to develop an innovative dual-layer co-extrusion and thermal lamination method that creates a mono-material membrane system without solvent-based adhesives. This design not only supports up to 20 recycling loops but also reduces carbon emissions by more than 70% compared with traditional processes. The resulting membranes are lightweight, airtight, and mechanically robust, offering reliable performance for smart medical air-pressure mattresses and promising value in additional high-demand sectors such as aerospace, emergency equipment, military protection, and advanced outdoor textiles.
With multiple Taiwanese manufacturers already adopting the technology, the Looping Nylon Technique is accelerating industrial sustainability and reducing carbon footprints as recycled nylon emits just 0.599 kg CO₂ per kilogram compared to 7.44 kg CO₂ for virgin nylon. This achievement highlights Taiwan’s growing leadership in green manufacturing and strengthens its position within global supply chains for recyclable, high-performance materials, supporting worldwide circular economy and carbon reduction goals.

                                          Industrial wastewater-Image credit: deposit photo

The rise and fall of the Oklahoma town of Picher illustrates the long-term dangers of industrial pollution. Once a booming mining center that supplied much of the lead and zinc used in the First World War, the town was eventually abandoned after contaminated water from thousands of derelict mine shafts caused severe lead poisoning. Its fate underscores the need for safe and effective wastewater treatment, an area that continues to evolve as new risks emerge.
A major concern today is the reliance on filtration membranes made with PFAS, known as “forever chemicals” because they resist environmental breakdown and may pose risks to ecosystems and human health. PVDF, the most widely used membrane material, is a PFAS, and growing regulatory pressure in the US and Europe is driving the search for safer alternatives. Researchers at the University of Bath, led by Olawumi Sadare, are developing a biodegradable, plant-based membrane made from lignin and cellulose. These polymers form a thin charged film on a PES support, enabling the selective removal of both positively and negatively charged pollutants. Early tests show strong performance, with the membrane removing more than 90% of two common dye pollutants. Its hydrophilic nature also helps draw water through while repelling contaminants.
Wastewater challenges vary widely by industry. Mining and manufacturing produce some of the most hazardous effluents, while pharmaceuticals and cosmetics contribute disproportionately to micropollutants in rivers and treatment plant outflow. A USGS study of wastewater from pharmaceutical facilities revealed drug concentrations far higher than in typical treatment plants and confirmed that these contaminants can persist many kilometers downstream. Because most pharmaceutical residues enter waterways through residential wastewater, treatment plants are the critical point of control.
To address this, the pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors are facing new regulatory demands, including an EU directive requiring producers to cover most of the cost of micropollutant removal. Two treatment approaches dominate: activated carbon and ozonation. Activated carbon can be added as a powder during treatment or applied as a granular medium afterward, while ozonation uses ozone to break down pollutants. Dutch engineering firm Royal HaskoningDHV has created a system called Aurea that combines biological activated carbon filtration with ozonation. By removing many contaminants before the ozonation stage, this combined method boosts efficiency, cuts energy use by up to three-quarters, and extends the life of the activated carbon.
Both the Aurea system and the University of Bath’s plant-based membrane are still progressing through development, testing, and scale-up. Their creators are working with industrial partners and refining performance, reflecting a broader push toward safer, more sustainable technologies in wastewater treatment.