We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Methods for Natural and Synthetic Polymers Recovery from Textile Waste
Summary
This review examined methods for recovering natural and synthetic polymers from textile waste, highlighting how the fashion industry generates massive microplastic pollution and greenhouse gas emissions annually. The authors compared recycling approaches for both natural fibers (cellulose, protein) and synthetic polymers, assessing their environmental trade-offs.
Trends in the textile industry show a continuous increase in the production and sale of textile materials, which in turn generates a huge amount of discarded clothing every year. This has a negative impact on the environment, on one side, by consuming resources-some of them non-renewables (to produce synthetic polymers)-and on the other side, by polluting the environment through the emission of GHGs (greenhouse gases), the generation of microplastics, and the release of toxic chemicals in the environment (dyes, chemical reagents, etc.). When natural polymers (e.g., cellulose, protein fibers) are used for the manufacturing of clothes, the negative impact is transferred to soil pollution (e.g., by using pesticides, fertilizers). In addition, for the manufacture of clothes from natural fibers, large amounts of water are consumed for irrigation. According to the European Environment Agency (EEA), the consumption of clothing is expected to increase by 63%, from 62 million tonnes in 2019 to 102 million tonnes in 2030. The current article aims to review the latest technologies that are suitable for better disposal of large quantities of textile waste.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Opportunities and Limitations in Recycling Fossil Polymers from Textiles
This review examined opportunities and limitations in recycling fossil-based synthetic polymers from textiles, noting that the fashion industry generates 58 million tons of plastic waste annually and releases microplastics during use and disposal.
Textile recycling- A review
This review examines the growing global textile waste problem and technologies for recycling synthetic and natural fibers. Synthetic textile waste is a major source of microplastic pollution because fibers shed during washing and break down into microplastic fragments in landfills.
Recycling and valorization of textile waste
This review examines the textile industry's contribution to environmental pollution, focusing on synthetic fiber waste, greenhouse gas emissions, and microplastic release driven by fast fashion and overconsumption. It surveys EU regulatory efforts and circular economy strategies aimed at improving textile recycling and reducing the environmental footprint of synthetic materials.
Exploring Microplastic and Natural Fiber Emissions from Fabrics and Textiles
This review examines microplastic and natural fiber emissions released from fabrics and textiles during use and washing, identifying textiles as a major but underappreciated source of microplastic pollution in the environment. The authors assess emission factors and the downstream environmental and health implications of synthetic fiber shedding.
Developments in Recycling of Polyester Textile Waste
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.