In response to the growing concerns surrounding pollution and sustainability, this research explores the possibility of recycling post-consumer polyester (PET) and nylon (PA6) waste for textile applications. By blending the polymers and analyzing the recyclability and thermomechanical properties of PET/PA6 blends, this study aims to contribute to the development of sustainable materials for textile applications. Virgin PET and PA6 polymers were utilized, with blending ratios ranging from 35% PET to 65% PET to assess the impact of composition on the material’s performance. Compounding and injection molding techniques were employed to prepare samples for characterization. Mechanical testing revealed that the blending of PET and PA6 increased tensile and flexural strengths, with higher PET content leading to increased stiffness. However, impact testing indicated a decrease in toughness with the incorporation of PET, which is attributed to increased crystallinity. Thermal analysis demonstrated that the blends retained sufficient thermal stability for industrial processing, despite slight reductions in degradation temperatures. Differential scanning calorimetry explained the crystallization behavior of the blends, revealing nuanced changes in PET's crystallization temperature. The dynamic mechanical analysis highlighted enhanced elastic modulus and improved rigidity and adhesion. These findings may have significant implications for polymer blend research and applications. Understanding the mechanical and thermal behavior of PET/PA6 blends is crucial for optimizing their performance in textiles and various other sectors. The study contributes to the development of sustainable materials with improved mechanical properties, offering potential solutions to environmental challenges and promoting the adoption of recyclable polymers in society. Future research should focus on optimizing blend compositions with compatibilizers to enhance impact strength and fully integrate these materials into textile production processes.

Single use plastic products (SUPs) are a primary cause of plastic pollution causing significant environmental harm. These products have little to no value after use and are challenging to recycle cost efficiently. In a bid to combat this issue and foster circular economy, the European Union has declared a series of directives to gradually phase out SUPs as a strategy to eliminate these disposables from the market. This approach allows the market time to discover alternative solutions to replace SUPs, promoting the adoption of reusable products. To make a sustainable system of reusable products feasible and profitable, the key lies in devising a business model designed for a circular strategy of repeated use of goods. One effective approach involves establishing a closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) which entails the entire life cycle of a product, from sourcing raw materials, through manufacturing, utilisation, collection, reverse logistics and recycling. The purpose of this study was to develop a CLSC system for reusable plastic products between a plastic producing small or medium sized enterprise (SME) and an incumbent firm customer to attain a smooth transition from linear to circular economy. Employing an inductive approach, this case study considered the EU-directives as observational data, the change of business model as the result, and a general recommendation as the rule. The research method encompassed conducted interviews, mathematical prototyping, product design, and life cycle analysis, using various tools and methods in the process. Two case companies were involved: one large incumbent firm and one plastic producing SME. The aim was to design a circular business model (CBM) to capture the value of the collaboration between these two companies. After an analysation of the current situation, the main obstacles to a successful transition were identified. A comprehensive solution was developed, including a network of partners for the CLSC, a reusable product design, and the necessary implementation calculations. The finalised business model was anchored in the principles of the CLSC, the product design specifications and the calculations that determined the system’s viability. Implementation of the CBM would yield economic advantages for both stakeholders, as well as an improved green image factor and advancement in circular economy. Furthermore, this transition would cultivate valuable and lasting business relationships for both companies. These case findings harmonise with established theories which emphasise the significance of business models that are dependent on collaboration and long-term strategic planning. Lastly, they also underscore that value is created in product utilisation and not ownership.