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Developments in Recycling of Polyester Textile Waste
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This review examines developments in polyester textile waste recycling, discussing how the fast fashion model has shortened garment lifespans, increased waste, and contributed to microplastic pollution from synthetic fibres. The authors survey mechanical, chemical, and circular economy recycling approaches, highlighting low current recycling rates especially in developing countries and the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and resource consumption.
The textile and garment industry’s fast fashion model, driven by cheap production and consumer demand, has shortened garment lifespans and increased clothing waste. Utilizing water, energy, minerals, colorant, and several harmful chemicals has loaded Mother Earth with immense consumption of resources. Synthetic fibers, particularly polyester, dominate the industry, contributing to carbon emissions and environmental pollution. Despite the potential for recycling, textile waste often ends up in landfills. Implementing circular economy techniques could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and resource consumption. However, the current recycling rates for textiles are low, especially in developing countries. Additionally, the presence of microplastics from polyester in the environment poses a threat to organisms. The industry is shifting towards a circular economy model, aiming to create a closed loop where textiles can be reused and waste is minimized, thus saving resources, and reducing environmental impacts.
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