Valorization of Cotton Waste: Agricultural and Biotechnological Perspectives for Sustainable Development

There is a rising concern for sustainability, especially in the global textile industry where waste is an alarming issue.Hence there is an increased attention towards valorization of agricultural by-products.Cotton stalk residue being one of the most underutilized agriculture resource is typically discarded post-harvest despite its high cellulosic nature.This review explores the feasibility of cotton stalk fibers as a sustainable input for textile production.It studies the chemical structure of cotton stalks, showing their rich lignocellulosic composition, and summaries various extraction techniques like mechanical, chemical, and enzymatic, which enhance fiber quality and potential of cotton stalks in manufacturing nonwoven fabrics, biocomposites and textile blends.In agriculture, the cotton stalks/cotton waste have shown to enhance soil health, better water retention and improved carbon sequestration through its various applications like compost/vermicompost, mulch and biofertilizers.Biotechnological and industrial applications include biochar, bioethanol, biogas and bioenzymes.The environmental benefits of utilizing cotton stalks comprise agricultural waste reduction, water as well as natural resource conservation and support circular economy.Economically, this approach offers a low-cost, renewable fiber alternative to traditional sources, providing new income sources for cotton producers.Despite noteworthy advancements, several challenges like fiber consistency, processing costs, and market penetration, still persist.Overcoming these obstacles through targeted research, stakeholder involvement and policy support, could place cotton stalk residue as an important element of the sustainable textile landscape.This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of its potential, positioning it as a promising material in the evolution of eco-conscious textile practices.