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Textiles
Special Issues
Textile Recycling and Sustainability
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Textile Recycling and Sustainability

A special issue of Textiles (ISSN 2673-7248).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2026 | Viewed by 7495

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Rajesh Mishra

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Material Science and Manufacturing Technology, Faculty of Engineering, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamycka 129, Prague, Czech Republic
Interests: nanomaterials; textile structural composites; green composites; nanocomposites; biomechanical engineering of fibrous structures; thermo-mechanical characterization of materials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Textile fibers and fabrics are the most widely used materials in everyday human life. The global consumption and waste of textiles are rapidly growing, resulting in an alarming concern about their disposal, reuse or recycling. While several materials are biodegradable, others are sources of micro and nanoscale particles which could be potentially dangerous, as they can cause health issues. On the other hand, there is emerging interest in the use of textile waste and its derived products for air and water purification. Therefore, it is necessary to perform the life cycle analysis and find approaches to recycle textile waste in an environmentally friendly way. The aim of this Special Issue is to collect research and review articles or short communications in the field of recycling textile waste materials into value added products. The papers can cover but are not limited to the following topics:

  1. Textile recycling
  2. Fiber reinforced composites
  3. Valorization of textiles
  4. Green composites from biomass
  5. Natural and synthetic fibrous waste
  6. Sustainability in textile processes
  7. Biodegradability
  8. Enzymatic treatments
  9. Micro and nanoparticles
  10. Nanofibers and nano membranes
  11. Water filtration
  12. Air purification

Prof. Dr. Rajesh Mishra
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Textiles is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • textile recycling
  • fiber reinforced composites
  • valorization of textiles
  • green composites from biomass
  • natural and synthetic fibrous waste
  • sustainability in textile processes
  • biodegradability
  • enzymatic treatments
  • micro and nanoparticles
  • nanofibers and nano membranes
  • water filtration
  • air purification

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 2801 KB  
Article
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 800
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, 3939 KB  
Article
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 413
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 (Vmax) and a 75% improvement in catalytic efficiency of action (Vmax/Km). 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  
Article
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 1100
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  
Article
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 4 | Viewed by 1001
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

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30 pages, 1033 KB  
Review
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 2 | Viewed by 3317
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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