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13 pages, 20018 KB

Open AccessArticle

Recycling of Denim Waste for Fabrication of Fiber-Reinforced Composites

by Hira Arif, Sidra Saleemi, Amna Siddique, Abdul Moqeet Hai, Abdul Waqar Rajput, Intizar Ali and Tariq Umer

Textiles 2026, 6(3), 95; https://doi.org/10.3390/textiles6030095 - 5 Aug 2026

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Abstract

The accumulation of discarded denim waste in landfills is causing environmental pollution, creating an urgent need for sustainable solutions. This study demonstrates the recycling of denim by extracting the indigo dye and fabricating the treated fabric into a composite to develop eco-friendly and [...] Read more.

The accumulation of discarded denim waste in landfills is causing environmental pollution, creating an urgent need for sustainable solutions. This study demonstrates the recycling of denim by extracting the indigo dye and fabricating the treated fabric into a composite to develop eco-friendly and high-performance materials. The waste denim was treated with sodium borohydride under controlled conditions without damaging the fibers. To utilize the denim waste, the decolorized fabric was shredded into fibers and incorporated into two polymer matrices i.e., ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and vinyl acetate, (VA) to fabricate a fiber-reinforced composite. The prepared recycled denim composites were compared with composites based on raw cotton fibers. The surface morphology of the composites was studied through optical microscopy and SEM analysis to examine the structural properties. Mechanical tests including tensile, charpy impact, flexural bending and drop-weight tests were performed to evaluate performance. The results showed that the raw composite had a higher impact strength of 11.5 kJ/m², while the recycled composite had 9.89 kJ/m², showing a slight reduction but maintaining good mechanical strength and lightweight properties suitable for applications such as table tennis rackets, a sustainable sports product, thereby supporting a closed-loop denim recycling approach within a circular economy framework. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Textile Recycling and Sustainability)

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30 pages, 2588 KB

Open AccessArticle

Uncovering Structural Barriers to Textile-to-Textile Recycling of Post-Industrial Polyester Waste: An ISM–MICMAC Analysis

by Siti Nurkomariyah, Dodik Ridho Nurrochmat, Dikky Indrawan and Harianto

Textiles 2026, 6(3), 93; https://doi.org/10.3390/textiles6030093 - 4 Aug 2026

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Abstract

Despite the rapid growth of global polyester production over the past two decades, the transition toward circular textile systems remains limited, particularly in emerging economies where industrial waste streams hold significant untapped potential for closed-loop recycling. This study investigates the structural barriers to [...] Read more.

Despite the rapid growth of global polyester production over the past two decades, the transition toward circular textile systems remains limited, particularly in emerging economies where industrial waste streams hold significant untapped potential for closed-loop recycling. This study investigates the structural barriers to textile-to-textile (T2T) recycling of post-industrial polyester waste in Indonesia, employing an integrated ISM–MICMAC approach and following expert-based content validation using the IOC. From an initial set of sixteen literature-derived barriers, nine core variables were retained for structural analysis. The results reveal that a lack of regulatory frameworks and limited fiscal incentives emerge as foundational drivers shaping technological readiness and stakeholder collaboration. These factors subsequently influence operational conditions, including collection, sorting, traceability, and standardization, ultimately affecting feedstock quality and availability. The findings further highlight that reliance on lower-value recovery pathways constrains the retention of material value, reflecting structural misalignment within the recycling system rather than material limitations. Accordingly, effective interventions should be staged and coordinated, prioritizing stronger regulatory frameworks and targeted fiscal incentives to support technological development and cross-sector collaboration. This study contributes to circular economy research by advancing a system-level understanding of the hierarchical and structural relationships among barriers and providing context-specific insights to support scalable T2T recycling systems in emerging economies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Textile Recycling and Sustainability)

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18 pages, 3150 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Textile-Bound Biochar Composites with Peroxidase-like Activity for Dye Decolorization: Proof-of-Concept Study

by Ivo Šafařík, Jitka Procházková, Viktor Petrenko, László Almásy, Vasil M. Garamus, Arkadiusz Józefczak, Oleksandr V. Kovalchuk, Kristýna Zelená Pospíšková, Leonid A. Bulavin, Peter Kopčanský and Magdalena Joka Yildiz

Textiles 2026, 6(3), 84; https://doi.org/10.3390/textiles6030084 - 14 Jul 2026

Viewed by 257

Abstract

Efficient adsorbents and nanozyme-like materials are of growing importance in environmental technologies. Here, we report a simple and potentially scalable approach for the immobilization of biochars onto nonwoven acrylic textiles, yielding composite materials with good retention of immobilized biochar during aqueous treatment and [...] Read more.

Efficient adsorbents and nanozyme-like materials are of growing importance in environmental technologies. Here, we report a simple and potentially scalable approach for the immobilization of biochars onto nonwoven acrylic textiles, yielding composite materials with good retention of immobilized biochar during aqueous treatment and combined adsorption and peroxidase-like activities. The structure of native and biochar-modified textiles was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering, confirming the presence of biochar particles on fiber surfaces and within the inter-fiber space, as well as nanoscale structural changes induced by biochar incorporation. Textile-bound biochars exhibited peroxidase-like activity toward N,N-diethyl-p-phenylenediamine in the presence of hydrogen peroxide and enabled effective decolorization of methylene blue. Adsorption alone resulted in 61% dye removal after 240 min, while the combined adsorption-catalytic process achieved 74% decolorization. Modification of the textile-bound biochar with copper ions further enhanced the peroxidase-like activity, increasing dye removal to 85% under identical conditions. The optional incorporation of a magnetic iron wire allows facile magnetic handling of the composite. Owing to its low cost, simplicity of preparation, and dual functionality, the textile-bound biochar composite represents a promising proof-of-concept platform that may warrant further development for dye removal and related environmental applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Textile Recycling and Sustainability)

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23 pages, 2905 KB

Open AccessArticle

Utilization of Natural Dyes for the Development of Screen-Printing Sustainable Textiles

by Rukiye Zeynep Gencal Öztürk and Nilşen Sünter Eroğlu

Textiles 2026, 6(3), 80; https://doi.org/10.3390/textiles6030080 - 1 Jul 2026

Viewed by 428

Abstract

The growing emphasis on sustainability in fashion and textile systems has renewed interest in natural dyes as both ecological colorants and expressive design tools. This study investigates a design-oriented approach to sustainable screen-printing by combining plant-based dyestuffs with conceptual pattern development and scientific [...] Read more.

The growing emphasis on sustainability in fashion and textile systems has renewed interest in natural dyes as both ecological colorants and expressive design tools. This study investigates a design-oriented approach to sustainable screen-printing by combining plant-based dyestuffs with conceptual pattern development and scientific performance analysis. It assumes that natural dyes can function not only as environmentally responsible alternatives to synthetic colorants but also as active design materials within contemporary textile printing. Accordingly, the study asks how dye type and fiber type influence color performance, fastness behavior, and fiber–dye interaction in screen-printed natural fabrics. Natural dyes derived from Rubia cordifolia (Rubia^®), Punica granatum peel (Mallow^®), and Morus alba leaves (Leafy Green^®) were applied to 100% cotton, linen, and silk fabrics through an environmentally responsible screen-printing process. A garlic-inspired motif was developed to support the study’s visual and conceptual framework by representing circularity, low-impact agriculture, and cultural sustainability. Colorimetric properties (L*, a*, b*, K/S, ΔE) were measured by spectrophotometric analysis, while washing and rubbing fastness were evaluated according to international standards. FTIR spectroscopy was used to examine fiber–dye interaction mechanisms, and statistical significance was tested through two-way ANOVA. The findings show that fabric type is the dominant factor affecting color performance, with cotton exhibiting the highest color strength due to its cellulose-rich and hydroxyl-dense structure. Rubia^® produced the darkest and most saturated tones, whereas Mallow^® yielded lighter pastel-like shades. FTIR results indicated that dye fixation occurred primarily through non-covalent interactions, explaining the balance between aesthetic richness and moderate fastness. The study offers a replicable model for environmentally responsible, design-oriented textile production that integrates material innovation with cultural and visual narratives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Textile Recycling and Sustainability)

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19 pages, 2518 KB

Open AccessArticle

Beyond Polycotton: How Other Fibers Affect the HCl-Based Polycotton Recycling Process

by Nienke Leenders, Gerard P. M. van Klink and Gert-Jan M. Gruter

Textiles 2026, 6(3), 79; https://doi.org/10.3390/textiles6030079 - 30 Jun 2026

Viewed by 326

Abstract

With the increasing generation of textile waste, efficient chemical recycling methods are urgently needed. This study evaluates a hydrochloric acid-based process for recycling polycotton textiles (polyester/cotton blends), in which cotton is selectively hydrolyzed and converted into 5-(chloromethyl)furfural (CMF), while polyester is recovered. The [...] Read more.

With the increasing generation of textile waste, efficient chemical recycling methods are urgently needed. This study evaluates a hydrochloric acid-based process for recycling polycotton textiles (polyester/cotton blends), in which cotton is selectively hydrolyzed and converted into 5-(chloromethyl)furfural (CMF), while polyester is recovered. The impact of common non-polycotton fiber contaminants on process performance and product quality was systematically assessed. Cellulose-based fibers did not hinder the process and are suitable for CMF production, while most synthetic fibers were effectively removed without affecting the CMF yield. In contrast, animal fibers reduced the CMF yield and complicated acid recovery, indicating they should be avoided in the feedstocks. Additionally, polyacrylonitrile and wool persisted in the solid fraction, contaminating the recovered polyester and lowering its value. To improve process robustness and product quality, intermediate filtration and extended hydrolysis time are recommended. These findings highlight critical feedstock requirements and operational adjustments for scalable polycotton recycling. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Textile Recycling and Sustainability)

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24 pages, 11199 KB

Open AccessArticle

Eco-Friendly Functionalization of Recycled Cotton-Pulp Wet-Laid Nonwovens: Influence on Water Repellency and Mechanical Performance

by Marta A. Teixeira, Beatriz Magalhães, Juliana C. Dias, Cláudia Amorim, Raquel Bértolo, Paula Pinto, Carla J. Silva and Lúcia Rodrigues

Textiles 2026, 6(3), 78; https://doi.org/10.3390/textiles6030078 - 30 Jun 2026

Viewed by 306

Abstract

Functionalized wet-laid nonwovens were developed from recycled cotton fibres, including spinning process residues (SPRs) and cotton fabric scraps (CFSs), blended with refined bleached eucalyptus kraft pulp (BEKP), demonstrating the valorisation of textile waste into high-performance materials. A two-step surface functionalisation strategy was applied, [...] Read more.

Functionalized wet-laid nonwovens were developed from recycled cotton fibres, including spinning process residues (SPRs) and cotton fabric scraps (CFSs), blended with refined bleached eucalyptus kraft pulp (BEKP), demonstrating the valorisation of textile waste into high-performance materials. A two-step surface functionalisation strategy was applied, combining spray deposition of a polyamide-amine wet-strength resin with padding using carnauba wax, polyurethane dispersion and their combination. SEM and ATR-FTIR analyses confirmed successful functionalization of the cellulosic nonwovens without affecting their structure. The surface modification induced a hydrophilic-to-hydrophobic transition, with SPR-based nonwovens showing higher contact angles (>130°), lower water uptake and slower liquid penetration. The applied functionalization strategies suppressed liquid strike-through (STT) across both nonwovens’ formulations. Mechanical performance was also enhanced. SPR-based nonwovens modified with the combined agents showed increases of 59% and 90% to 30/70% SPR/BEKP and 70/30% SPR/BEKP, respectively, while CFS-based nonwovens exhibited increases of 148% and 207% for the same formulations. Wet strength was noticeably improved, exceeding instrumental limits in SPR systems functionalized with polyurethane dispersion alone as well as with the combined agents. Therefore, this functionalization strategy effectively overcomes the intrinsic hydrophilicity and wet weakness of cellulosic nonwovens, enabling to be applied in packaging, household and other technical applications, while promoting the circular economy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Textile Recycling and Sustainability)

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16 pages, 2716 KB

Open AccessArticle

Knitting Bacterial Cellulose Filaments Produced from Agro-Industrial By-Products

by Laura Freixas, Laura Mejias, Judit González and Javier Peña

Textiles 2026, 6(3), 76; https://doi.org/10.3390/textiles6030076 - 24 Jun 2026

Viewed by 329

Abstract

This research presents bacterial cellulose (BC) filaments knitted from agro-industrial by-products. The fermentation media came from pressed fruit (beetroot, ginger, grape), vegetable beverages, bagasse with different concentrations (1/2.5, 1/5, 1/7.5, and 1/10), and a control medium with unrefined sugar from sugarcane or panela. [...] Read more.

This research presents bacterial cellulose (BC) filaments knitted from agro-industrial by-products. The fermentation media came from pressed fruit (beetroot, ginger, grape), vegetable beverages, bagasse with different concentrations (1/2.5, 1/5, 1/7.5, and 1/10), and a control medium with unrefined sugar from sugarcane or panela. The BC filaments were obtained from a mixed culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY); functionalized using NaOH purification treatment and glycerol plasticizer; untwisted and twisted with 1-, 2-, and 4-ply; and characterized physically and mechanically by weight, diameter, tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and elongation. The untwisted and 2-ply twisted BC filaments from the fruit medium 1/2.5 showed tensile strength of 272 MPa and 155 MPa, respectively. Finally, control panela filaments with 1-, 2-, and 4-ply and fruit filaments with 2- and 4-ply were knitted in wet states. This research demonstrates the use of by-products to produce BC filaments with knitting properties for textile applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Textile Recycling and Sustainability)

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15 pages, 2801 KB

Open AccessArticle

Lipase-Assisted Removal of Spin Finishes from Synthetic Fibre Textiles

by Luís C. de Sousa, Paula Vidal, Rebecka Molitor, Stephan Thies, Jan Modregger, Simona Capone, Karl-Erich Jaeger, Nazanin Ansari, Roland Lottenbach, Rainer Rösch, Manuel Ferrer and Carla C. C. R. de Carvalho

Textiles 2026, 6(2), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/textiles6020056 - 5 May 2026

Viewed by 1168

Abstract

Lubricants based on fatty acid ester (FAE) mixtures are widely used in the textile industry, e.g., in spin finishes applied during the production of synthetic fibres, or in sizes added to fibres before weaving. FAE lubricants can significantly impact the dyeing quality of [...] Read more.

Lubricants based on fatty acid ester (FAE) mixtures are widely used in the textile industry, e.g., in spin finishes applied during the production of synthetic fibres, or in sizes added to fibres before weaving. FAE lubricants can significantly impact the dyeing quality of a textile due to their hydrophobicity and must therefore be removed before dyeing. However, the solvents currently used for their removal pose an environmental risk, and biobased solutions are thus sought. A lipase-assisted pre-dyeing treatment for synthetic fibre textiles was developed in this study. Six lipases were tested for their ability to hydrolyse FAEs from a polyamide-with-elastane textile, and all were found to be active. The conditions for the washing of lipase-treated textiles were found to be crucial for the performance of the process. Among the possible lipid hydrolysis products of tripalmitin (selected as a model FAE), only palmitic acid removal improved during washing, in comparison with the original FAE. This improvement only occurred with washing solutions containing a monovalent base. A combination of lipase treatment and washing with a non-ionic surfactant and monovalent base was found to be effective in the removal of FAEs, with a performance similar to a current solvent-based pre-treatment process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Textile Recycling and Sustainability)

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19 pages, 3940 KB

Open AccessArticle

Functionalized Cotton as a Robust Platform for Laccase Immobilization: A Sustainable Approach for Bisphenol A Bioremediation

by Reda M. El-Shishtawy, Nedaa Alharbi and Yaaser Q. Almulaiky

Textiles 2026, 6(2), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/textiles6020048 - 17 Apr 2026

Viewed by 636

Abstract

This study presents a highly efficient and sustainable biocatalytic platform for bisphenol A (BPA) bioremediation through the covalent immobilization of laccase onto hierarchically functionalized cotton fibers. The immobilization strategy involved selective periodate oxidation of cellulose, grafting a hexamethylenediamine (HMDA) spacer arm, and glutaraldehyde [...] Read more.

This study presents a highly efficient and sustainable biocatalytic platform for bisphenol A (BPA) bioremediation through the covalent immobilization of laccase onto hierarchically functionalized cotton fibers. The immobilization strategy involved selective periodate oxidation of cellulose, grafting a hexamethylenediamine (HMDA) spacer arm, and glutaraldehyde activation, ensuring stable covalent attachment. Characterization via FTIR, SEM, and BET confirmed successful surface modification and high enzyme loading, achieving an immobilization yield of 90.5%. The immobilized laccase (CT-DA-HMD-Lac) exhibited significantly enhanced performance compared to the free enzyme, with a two-fold increase in maximum reaction velocity (V_max) and a 75% improvement in catalytic efficiency of action (V_max/K_m). Furthermore, the biocatalyst demonstrated superior robustness, maintaining high activity across broader pH and temperature ranges, and retaining 75% of its initial activity after 15 consecutive reusability cycles. Storage stability was also markedly improved, with 83% activity retention after 60 days. Practical application in BPA degradation showed 85% removal efficiency within 300 min, a 2.4-fold increase in the degradation rate constant over the free enzyme. These results highlight functionalized cotton as a promising, cost-effective, and scalable support for advanced enzymatic wastewater treatment and the remediation of persistent endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Textile Recycling and Sustainability)

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12 pages, 4629 KB

Open AccessArticle

Recycling Polyester/Cotton Blended Textile Wastes by Alcohol-Assisted Alkaline Hydrolysis

by Scott Martínez-Vila, Remedios Prieto-Fuentes, Aïda Duran-Serra, Xavier Colom-Fajula, Javier Cañavate-Ávila and Fernando Carrillo-Navarrete

Textiles 2026, 6(1), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/textiles6010031 - 12 Mar 2026

Viewed by 1460

Abstract

The textile industry faces significant challenges regarding the need for textile waste recycling. This study investigates the feasibility of alkaline hydrolysis assisted by alcoholic co-solvents, such as ethanol, for recycling polyester/cotton blend textiles. Ethanol-assisted alkaline hydrolysis under mild conditions enabled almost complete depolymerisation [...] Read more.

The textile industry faces significant challenges regarding the need for textile waste recycling. This study investigates the feasibility of alkaline hydrolysis assisted by alcoholic co-solvents, such as ethanol, for recycling polyester/cotton blend textiles. Ethanol-assisted alkaline hydrolysis under mild conditions enabled almost complete depolymerisation of polyester, allowing the recovery of its monomers, terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol, which may be used to produce new polyester fibre. However, the treatment was found to adversely affect the properties of the cotton fibres, resulting in a recycled material of lower quality and functionality than the original material. In particular, a significant change in the structure of the cotton fibre was observed, namely, the transformation of cellulose I into cellulose II, as confirmed by FTIR analysis, along with a decrease in both the degree of polymerization and tensile strength, especially at an ethanol/water ratio of 40/60. Hence, alcohol-assisted alkaline hydrolysis is advisable for the chemical recycling of polyester, but it presents limitations when cotton fibres are also present. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Textile Recycling and Sustainability)

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26 pages, 5109 KB

Open AccessArticle

Circular Valorization of Post-Industrial Textile Waste in Thermal-Insulating Cementitious Ceiling Sheets

by Kavini Vindya Fernando, Charith Akalanka Dodangodage, Vinalee Maleeshi Seneviratne, Sanduni Maleesha Jayasinghe, Dhammika Dharmaratne, Geethaka Nethsara Gamage, Ranoda Hasandee Halwatura, U. S. W. Gunasekera and Rangika Umesh Halwatura

Textiles 2026, 6(1), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/textiles6010027 - 27 Feb 2026

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1387

Abstract

The construction sector faces increasing pressure to reduce the embodied energy of building materials while valorizing industrial waste streams. This study evaluates the direct incorporation of post-industrial textile waste (100% cotton and cotton–polyester blends) in its native form to develop high-performance cementitious ceiling [...] Read more.

The construction sector faces increasing pressure to reduce the embodied energy of building materials while valorizing industrial waste streams. This study evaluates the direct incorporation of post-industrial textile waste (100% cotton and cotton–polyester blends) in its native form to develop high-performance cementitious ceiling sheets. Composites were fabricated under a controlled hydraulic compaction pressure of 2.0 MPa, optimized to achieve matrix densification while preserving the integrity of the fibrous network. Viscoelastic recovery of the compressed fibers induced a hierarchical double-porosity architecture characterized by macro-voids and hollow fiber lumens. This microstructural evolution reduced thermal conductivity to 0.091 W/m·K, approximately 50% lower than commercial cement–fiber benchmarks—without compromising mechanical compliance. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed a mechanistic decoupling between water absorption and dimensional stability. Although the CP15 formulation (15 wt.% cotton–polyester) exhibited high moisture uptake (~21%), thickness swelling remained limited to 1.35%. This dimensional stability is attributed to the hydrophobic polyester framework, which bridges microcracks and constrains hygroscopic expansion within the cellulosic phase. The optimized CP15 composite achieved a Modulus of Rupture (MOR) of 8.75 MPa, exceeding ISO 8336 Category C, Class 2 requirements. Despite increased thickness, the areal density (10.84 kg/m²) remains compatible with standard gypsum-grade suspension systems, eliminating the need for structural modification. These findings establish a scalable, direct-valorization strategy for circular construction materials delivering enhanced thermal insulation and robust performance under tropical climatic conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Textile Recycling and Sustainability)

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Review

Jump to: Research

27 pages, 1018 KB

Open AccessReview

Recent Advances in Recycling Polyester–Cotton Blended Textiles: Review

by Aravin Prince Periyasamy, Hertta Seppälä, Marjo Määttänen and Ali Harlin

Textiles 2026, 6(3), 92; https://doi.org/10.3390/textiles6030092 - 31 Jul 2026

Viewed by 181

Abstract

Polyester–cotton (PES/CO) blends represent one of the most widely used textile classifications globally, yet their fibre-to-fibre recycling remains technically challenging due to the chemical dissimilarity of the two fibres. Existing reviews typically address textile recycling in broad terms, leaving a gap in critically [...] Read more.

Polyester–cotton (PES/CO) blends represent one of the most widely used textile classifications globally, yet their fibre-to-fibre recycling remains technically challenging due to the chemical dissimilarity of the two fibres. Existing reviews typically address textile recycling in broad terms, leaving a gap in critically evaluating the specific separation chemistries, recovered-fraction quality, and industrial maturity of PES/CO recycling routes. This review addresses that gap by providing a focused and comparative assessment of technologies designed for PES/CO fractionation. The paper analyses both polyester-removal and cellulose-removal routes, covering depolymerisation (hydrolysis, glycolysis, methanolysis, aminolysis), dissolving systems (NMMO, ionic liquids, DES, cold alkaline), and enzymatic or acid-based degradation. Each route is evaluated using technical criteria including fraction purity, cellulose degree of polymerisation, polyester monomer recovery, fibre quality, chemical consumption and energy requirement, solvent recovery, reaction conditions, and scalability. The review finds that chemical depolymerisation of PES and selective dissolution of cellulose currently show the strongest potential for high-quality fibre-to-fibre recycling, particularly when solvent recovery systems are integrated. However, significant barriers remain, including incomplete fraction purity, degradation of cellulose DP, limited recovery of high-quality polyester intermediates, high chemical consumption, and insufficient industrial-scale demonstrations. Overall, this review provides a differentiated and critical synthesis of PES/CO recycling technologies, clarifying their readiness levels and outlining the key scientific and industrial challenges that must be addressed to enable circularity in blended textile waste streams. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Textile Recycling and Sustainability)

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30 pages, 1033 KB

Open AccessReview

Fibre-to-Fibre Recycling in Textiles: Strategies, Limitations and Industrial Perspectives

by Ana Catarina Silva, Mariana P. Barreiros, Tiago Azevedo, Duarte Brás, Marta A. Teixeira, Raúl Fangueiro and Diana P. Ferreira

Textiles 2026, 6(1), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/textiles6010030 - 5 Mar 2026

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4643

Abstract

Textile-to-textile recycling is increasingly recognised as essential to reduce the environmental footprint of the textile sector, yet fibre-to-fibre routes remain constrained by complex composition of fibre blends, chemical finishes and the degradation of fibre quality during repeated processing. This review provides a comprehensive [...] Read more.

Textile-to-textile recycling is increasingly recognised as essential to reduce the environmental footprint of the textile sector, yet fibre-to-fibre routes remain constrained by complex composition of fibre blends, chemical finishes and the degradation of fibre quality during repeated processing. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recycling strategies for major textile fibres, cotton, polyester, viscose, polyamide, and wool, from a fibre-level perspective, highlighting the relationships between fibre chemistry, structure, and recyclability. Mechanical, chemical, and biological recycling routes are analysed with a particular focus on fibre integrity, yarn and fabric performance, and their suitability for industrial textile applications rather than solely on waste management aspects. The review also examines industrial initiatives and emerging technologies driving the transition towards circular textile systems, critically identifying key barriers such as feedstock heterogeneity, fibre blending, and downcycling. Building on existing review articles on textile recycling, this work synthesises current knowledge on fibre-to-fibre routes, compares different process options in terms of recycled-fibre quality and scalability, and highlights remaining technological and implementation gaps. To advance textile circularity, integrated recycling frameworks are proposed that align material design, process optimisation, and policy instruments. This work contributes a cross-disciplinary understanding of how fibre-level innovation can enable resource-efficient, closed-loop textile production, offering a roadmap for future sustainable materials engineering in industrial textile systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Textile Recycling and Sustainability)

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