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Environmental Sustainability through Clothing Recycling
... Clothing waste is a major contributor to environmental pollution and has been considered unavoidable in the fashion industry. Existing disposal methods for clothing waste, such as incineration and landfilling, have problems such as cost burden for waste disposal [1,2], treatment of pollutants generated during the disposal process [3][4][5][6][7], and lack of landfill sites [8][9][10]; therefore, the development of sustainable clothing waste treatment and recycling methods for environmental circulation is a great social and industrial need. ...
... Clothing waste is generated randomly in many locations and in many different types, and is more post-consumer than pre-consumer [2,18,[22][23][24]28], an inevitable consequence of changing consumption patterns due to rapidly changing fashion trends. Although experts estimate the recycling rate of fashion textiles to be over 95%, in the real world, a significant portion of apparel waste ends up in landfills [29,30]. ...
This study aims to utilize a dual physical and digital strategy for the completion of a process that achieves two goals: the treatment of large amounts of clothing waste and the development of materials and products. This study expands the author’s previous research on the feasibility of using clothing waste as a textile material and the development of weaving methods. The processes of material analysis, design, material development, and product production for clothing waste were connected by the dual strategy. The project was conducted by three groups of designers for ten months and evaluated by ten experts. A total of eighteen digital products were developed, including three physical products and one digital twin. Digital and physical models were dressed and subjected to objective and in-depth evaluations by experts. The experts determined that the match rate between the physical products and digital twins was over 90% and that each process step was conducted appropriately. The process was also deemed applicable for 50% of the industrial sector and 80% of the education sector. Therefore, this study connected the quantitative disposal of garment waste to the qualitative design and production of new material, introducing a new process strategy to maintain sustainability in the fashion industry.
... The sector is divided into three main activity sub-sectors characterized by different industry dynamics and success factors. For this reason, we can talk about ready-made clothing (fashion/design), interior textiles and technical textiles [1]. The formation step of the final product, the textile material, and the processes it goes through until it becomes a product, use and recycling gain importance. ...
... Therefore, the cost of using natural products increases. The recycling of textile waste is not only an important tool to solve many environmental problems but also an important socio-economic and environmental sustainability tool [1]. Recycling in textiles is a method of reusing or reprocessing used clothing, fibrous materials and clothing parts by the intermediate manufacturing process [4]. ...
The need for ready-made clothing and home textiles produced from natural and synthetic fibres is increasing day by day in order to meet the needs of the increasing world population. Recently, the concepts of sustainability and recycling have gained importance in the textile industry. The rapid change in today's trends has developed disposable habits. Due to the rapidly changing fashion trends, the product variety has increased and mass production has been preferred. Therefore, the priority for customers to choose the products was not the material used, but whether they fit the current fashion trend. Thus, the use and production of natural fibres should be increased to reduce environmental pollution and meet production demand. Thanks to recycling, it is possible to reuse the waste textile materials that we leave to nature. Due to the increase in agricultural production costs, it has become difficult to obtain the raw materials used for textiles. When a life cycle system is created for raw materials that evaluate them until it is produced in nature and then return to nature, production with textile waste recycling can be advantageous. Using natural waste fibres instead of natural virgin fibres to produce home textile products both reduces costs and makes production easier. In this study, recycled (waste) cotton was obtained by shredding white, 100% cotton woven duvet covers and sheets purchased from a private hospital. A 50%-50% waste-natural blend was created from the cotton obtained. 54 wire reference fabrics were woven using open-end yarns numbered Ne24 and Ne12 produced from this blend. The physical characteristics of the fabric were investigated. The results obtained were analysed statistically and the effect of the blend created on the fabric quality was comprehensively examined.
... (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity (Cuc & Vidovic, 2011). ...
... With this study, the participation of young people in the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals is important for the rights of future generations. 2030 Agenda, paragraph ın 53, "The future of humanity and our planet is ours and also the torch (Cuc & Vidovic, 2011). ...
... The Council for Textile Recycling (CTR) classified textile recycling material as pre-or postconsumer waste (Cuc & Vidovic, 2014). Preconsumer waste, considered clean waste, is produced during production-via processing fibers, and the manufacture of finished fibers and fabrics, technical weaves, nonwoven, clothes, and footgear (Vadicherla & Saravanan, 2014). ...
... Studies carried by environmentalists and economists on techno-economic for sustainability divulge that it is indispensable to reduce the generation of waste and enhance recycling. Underneath are some explanations why recycling is crucial (Cuc & Vidovic, 2014). ...
Net zero waste buildings are not as widespread a concept as are net zero energy buildings, but are gaining momentum in urban regions. Municipal authorities and all stakeholders in the construction sector around the globe are adapting to work toward zeroing waste. Although the ultimate target is zero waste, the policies and tools adopted in building construction basically work on the values of 3Rs (reduce, reuse, and recycle), trying to minimize waste in landfills and incinerators for ecological and economic gain, thus compelling the use of a cradle-to-cradle model instead of a cradle-to-grave model. This shifts the paradigm and slowly advances toward zero waste and sustainability. The emerging trends of practices and challenges include source reduction (tops the list of solid waste, EPA), salvaging and reusing (deconstruction), recycling C&D materials, rebuying C&D materials, waste to wealth, and waste to energy (WtW, WtE).
... The Council for Textile Recycling (CTR) classified textile recycling material as pre-or postconsumer waste (Cuc & Vidovic, 2014). Preconsumer waste, considered clean waste, is produced during production-via processing fibers, and the manufacture of finished fibers and fabrics, technical weaves, nonwoven, clothes, and footgear (Vadicherla & Saravanan, 2014). ...
... Studies carried by environmentalists and economists on techno-economic for sustainability divulge that it is indispensable to reduce the generation of waste and enhance recycling. Underneath are some explanations why recycling is crucial (Cuc & Vidovic, 2014). ...
Following the oil industry, fashion manufacturing is the second largest polluting industry of the agricultural land leading to various unfavorable impacts on the environment. Sustainable fashion, also lightly known as eco-fashion, is a part of the rising design reality and trend. The aim is to build an approach that can bear the unlimited load of human impact on the environment and social obligation. Zero waste needs that human activity to only use nature’s assets at a rate that can be restored naturally. Hypothetically, the long-term result of environmental degradation is the incapability to withstand human life. Such dilapidation on a comprehensive scale could entail extinction for the human race. Fashion is a complex business involving long and diverse supply chains of production, textile manufacture, raw material, garment construction, transportation, retail, consumption, and eventually disposal of clothes. The carbon footprint of this industry is tremendous. Obvious pollutants like pesticides that meet the common eye are used in producing natural fabrics. The hazardous dyes are used largely in manufacturing textiles discarding huge amounts of waste.
This chapter offers flexible approaches and easy-to-create zero-waste methods to help develop and create new designs out of discarded fashion. The chapter will include beautifully created illustrations converted into wearable outfits out of waste garments. This exercise of design research rejuvenates the method of eradicating fabric waste by utilizing zero waste pattern cutting to increase conceivable results. This conceptualization of new inventions created by the zero-waste concept may lead to the making of future aesthetics in production and economies. The “wealth from waste” is a new approach in the fashion frontier, developing new innovative sustainable textiles made from agricultural waste, plant fibers, including cactus, mushrooms, coconut, pineapple, banana, Aloe vera, and many more. Further, the life-cycle assessment and involvement of the waste management of fashion and textile industries in contributing the circular economy has also been focused.
... This principle applies broadly to waste management and is particularly evidently within the textile industry (D'Adamo et al. 2024b;Papamichael et al. 2023). Increased textile recycling has the potential to significantly mitigate the environmental impact of the sector (Cuc and Vidovic 2014). The present findings contribute to this objective by identifying EoL alternatives and providing insights to support companies in adopting more sustainable waste management practices. ...
Fast fashion is disrupting circularity in the fashion industry, necessitating strategic business models fostering sustainable production. However, there is a gap in the literature regarding criteria for assessing the end‐of‐life (EoL) management of textile products. The present study aimed to identify the most effective EoL strategies to support fashion companies in closing the loop, comparing reuse, mechanical recycling, and chemical recycling against landfill disposal. Using multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA), the research engaged with diverse stakeholder categories (i.e., academics, industry professionals, consultants, and politicians) to evaluate several aspects of sustainability. The results highlight the dominant role played by sustainable policy considerations over economic and environmental factors and the relatively lower weight given to technological and social aspects. Reuse emerged as the most beneficial strategy, followed by mechanical recycling and chemical recycling. Additionally, the results underscore the urgency of avoiding landfill disposal. The findings offer a strategic framework for promoting textile EoL management, in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 12.
... Öte yandan, sentetik kumaşlar, genellikle geri dönüşüm işlemleri sırasında daha fazla enerji tüketir, ancak özel işlemlerle bu kumaşlar da geri dönüştürülebilir. Tekstil geri dönüşüm malzemeleri tüketici öncesi ve tüketici sonrası atıklar olmak üzere Tekstil Geri Dönüşüm Kurumu'na (Council for Textile Recycling) göre iki grupta sınıflandırılmaktadır (Cuc & Vidovic, 2011). ...
ZET Tüketici sonrası tekstil atıkları, özellikle giysi ve kumaşlar, çevre üzerinde büyük bir olumsuz etki yaratmaktadır. Her yıl milyonlarca ton tekstil atığı, geri dönüşüm işlemi yapılmadan çöplüklere gönderilmektedir. Bu atıkların geri dönüştürülmesi, doğal kaynakların korunmasına, enerji tüketiminin azaltılmasına ve çevre kirliliğinin engellenmesine yardımcı olmaktadır. Tekstil atıklarının geri dönüşümü, yeni tekstil ürünlerine, veya farklı yapı malzemelerine dönüştürülebilir. Tekstil endüstrisi, çevreye ciddi etkiler bırakırken, atıkların geri kazanımı ve yeniden kullanımı büyük bir önem taşımaktadır. Bu çalışma, tüketici sonrası tekstil atıklarının geri dönüşümünü inceleyerek, bu atıkların sanat alanında nasıl kullanılabileceğine dair perspektif sunmaktadır. Çalışma, tekstil atıklarının alçı duvar panosu sanatında nasıl kullanılabileceği üzerine odaklanmaktadır. Alçı duvar panosu sanatı, duvar dekorasyonlarında kullanılan bir teknik olup, tekstil atıkları bu süreçte malzeme olarak değerlendirilmektedir. Bu tür bir geri dönüşüm, hem çevre dostu hem de yaratıcı bir sanat formu yaratma potansiyeline sahiptir. Kumaş ile yapılan alçı duvar panosu sanatı, geleneksel duvar süslemelerinde kumaş ve alçıyı bir arada kullanarak yapılan bir sanat türüdür. Bu sanatta, estetik tasarımlar yaratmak için alçı ve kumaş çeşitli figürlere dönüştürülmektedir. Ayrıca, kumaşın dokusu, renkleri ve desenleri, alçı ile birleşerek daha derinlikli ve dokusal bir görünüm elde edilmektedir. Alçı panolar, mekanlarda görsel zenginlik yaratmaktadır. Hem çevresel hem de sanatsal açıdan, tekstil atıklarının geri dönüşümü ve alçı panoların kullanımı, sürdürülebilirlik ve yaratıcı çözümler açısından önemli fırsatlar sunmaktadır. Tekstil atıklarının sürdürülebilirliğine ilişkin yapılan çalışmada atık pamuklu kumaşlar duvar panosu yapılarak değerlendirilmiştir. Atıkların alçı malzeme ile birleşerek sanat eserlerine dönüşümüne dair örnekler sunulmaktadır. Sonuç olarak, tüketici sonrası tekstil atıklarının geri dönüşümü, sürdürülebilir sanat ve çevre dostu tasarım için önemli bir kaynak teşkil etmektedir. Bu süreç, sadece atıkların değerlendirilmesini sağlamaz, aynı zamanda sanat ve tasarım alanında yeni yaklaşımlar geliştirilmesine olanak tanımaktadır. ABSTRACT Post-consumer textile waste, especially clothing and fabrics, has a significant negative impact on the environment. Every year, millions of tons of textile waste are sent to landfills without being recycled. Recycling these wastes helps conserve natural resources, reduce energy consumption, and prevent environmental pollution. Textile waste can be recycled into new textile products or transformed into different construction materials. The textile industry, while having a considerable environmental footprint, highlights the importance of recovering and reusing waste. This study examines the recycling of post-consumer textile waste and presents perspectives on how these wastes can be used in the field of art. The focus is on how textile waste can be utilized in plaster wall panel art. Plaster wall panel art is a technique used in wall decoration, where textile waste is used as a material in this process. Such recycling offers the potential to create both eco-friendly and creative art forms. Fabric-based plaster wall panel art is a type of art that combines fabric and plaster in traditional wall decoration. In this art form, plaster and fabric are transformed into various figures to create aesthetic designs. Additionally, the texture, colors, and patterns of the fabric, when combined with plaster, produce a more dimensional and textured appearance. Plaster panels add visual richness to spaces. From both an environmental and artistic standpoint, the recycling of textile waste and the use of plaster panels provide important opportunities for sustainability and creative solutions. In a study related to the sustainability of textile waste, waste cotton fabrics have been utilized to create wall panels. Examples of how waste materials can be transformed into art pieces when combined with plaster are presented. In conclusion, the recycling of post-consumer textile waste constitutes an important resource for sustainable art and eco-friendly design. This process not only ensures the utilization of waste, but also offers the potential for developing new approaches in the fields of art and design.
... This study focuses on a closed loop approach consisting of reuse and recycling practices. According to Cuc and Vidovic (2011) and Holm (2013), reuse and recycling have environmental, social and economic benefits. The closed-loop approach, also known as the "circular economy", refers to the treatment within the clothing factory of fabric offcuts, waste fabrics and merchandise once the garment is no longer useful to the client (Niinimäki, 2013;Pervez, 2017). ...
The textile and clothing industry intensifies pollution through the production of fast fashion clothes. The increase in fast fashion clothes imports in South Africa has led to the closure of textile factories and consequent loss of jobs. Sustainable development is a pathway to reducing socio-environmental, cultural and economic harm. Sustainable processes and products create new employment. Fashion design entrepreneurs are often involved and have influence in every supply chain of their business and are thus in one of the best positions to implement sustainable fashion supply chain operations. This qualitative study aimed to investigate South African fashion design entrepreneurs’ awareness and practices of sustainable fashion supply chain operations. Participants were selected purposively, and data was collected through semi-structured interviews. The results indicated that most of the participants were aware of sustainable fabrics through personal research. Half of them source and produce sustainable garments on a small scale due to the high price of sustainable fabrics. All the participants had limited knowledge of sustainable design methods. All the participants save their fabric offcuts, and only half of them are motivated by environmental concerns. Furthermore, the results indicated a lack of systems to manage the recycling of fabric offcuts. Given that there are few sustainable fashion design entrepreneurs in South Africa, the study recommends that textile and clothing industry leaders, especially sustainability practitioners, disseminate knowledge and training across the board on sustainable supply chain operations
... The pressing and an urgent it issue of used cloth or clothing waste is not just a problem; is attention immediate that demands environmental concern [2] Environmental . According to the Protection Agency (EPA), a staggering 31.5 kg of used clothes are discarded by each person every year [3]. ...
Scrap fabric and used inner tubes, typically considered waste with no economic value and potential environmental issues, are being repurposed as an alternative composite material. This study uses the compression molding method to analyze the use of polyester fabric scrap and inner tubes as soundproofing composites. The process variables include temperature, pressure, and the composition of the used tire fabric rubber. The temperature variables used are 140, 150, and 160°C. The pressure variables used are 8, 10, and 12 ton-forces (tf). The composition variables of the fabric-rubber weight ratio used are 50:50, 60:40, and 40:60. Samples printed with compression molding according to the process variable combination scheme are then tested using an impedance tube tester to determine the effectiveness of sound absorption that the composite can absorb. The soundproofing test standard with impedance tubes is ISO 10140, with 125, 250, 500, 750, 1000, and 2000 Hz test frequencies. The test results show that samples with a fabric-rubber ratio of 60:40, a pressure of 10 tf, and a temperature of 150°C have the highest sound absorption coefficient value at 2000 Hz, which is 0.90817, and a Noise Reduction Coefficient of 0.8114. This result shows that the combination of pressure, temperature, and weight composition affects the composite's density and porosity, which will then affect the soundproofing performance of the developed composite.
... Today, the textile industry is one of the most representative sectors of the global industrial structure and ranks as the second most polluting industry in the world [10]. It is largely responsible for the consumption of non-renewable resources and contributes to nearly 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions [11]. Textile dyeing is a major source of this pollution, with 95% [19,22,24]). ...
The production of indigo, primarily used by the denim industry, increases year by year, and is mainly of synthetic origin. The textile industry, on which its production depends, is responsible for 10% of greenhouse gases and 20% of water pollution. However, the source of this pigment/colorant, mainly based on petrochemistry, remains a key issue today. Extracting indigo from plants is becoming a popular answer and requires an understanding and evaluation of the entire process, from raw material to pigment recovery. In this study, the indigotin precursor, indoxyl, derived from the hydrolysis of O-glycosides biomass extracted in water, was oxidized to obtain the desired pigment. This step is the most sensitive, as variations have been observed during this phase. Consequently, the standardization of the oxidation process was established to determine the extract capacity to consistently produce the blue dye pigment. Partial hydrolysis of the O-glycosides, the indoxyl precursors, was identified as a factor causing this yield variability in the obtained extracts. Once the precursors were fully chemically hydrolyzed, plants harvested during summer and during a freezing period showed a similar capacity to produce indigotin, with values of 412 ± 25 ppm and 379 ± 0 ppm, respectively. This result showed that in freezing conditions, the enzymatic material was not available, resulting in the lack of indigotin formation. To address the use of oxidation in an alkaline medium, a spontaneous oxidation method was proposed. This method produced a purer indigotin pigment, with a 21.6% purity compared to 5.9% purity using air-mediated oxidation in an alkaline medium.
... Recycling in the textile industry is the reuse or reprocessing of used clothes, fibrous materials and textile waste from the production process. Recycling textile waste is not only an important way to solve many environmental problems but also a tool of socioeconomic and environmental sustainability [15]. Countries are increasingly focusing on commercial waste and producer responsibility to meet increasing recycling, reuse, and prevention targets. ...
The impact of greenhouse gas and carbon emissions on climate change and more frequent natural disasters in recent years have increased people's and government's environmental awareness. The enactment of environmental legislation and new standards have resulted in some additional environmental costs for companies. Every additional cost is very important for companies operating under intense competitive pressure. Companies operating in the textile sector undertake the costs of prevention, use and damage at every stage of their production. In this study, the importance of the textile sector in Türkiye in terms of the country's economy has been revealed and the environmental costs of textile enterprises have been examined. The study aims to reveal the environmental costs for yarn production, yarn dyeing process, weaving-confection processes and dyeing-finishing processes separately and to calculate the share of these costs in total operating expenses. According to the results of the study, it has been determined that the share of environmental costs in total expenses in the textile company is 3.1%. It has been observed that the share of environmental costs in total expenses varies between 0.5% and 6% at different production stages.
... Less energy, water and chemical consumption; ethical considerations during production; less waste; and more reuse and recycling are the primary change variables associated with eco-materials that can be used to make a sustainable textile (Toprak and Anis, 2017). Textile waste recycling has the potential to address numerous economic and ecological issues, among other things, the dwindling supply of raw materials and the astronomical cost of garbage collection (Cuc and Vidovic, 2011). ...
Textile and garments production involves a wide range of steps, beginning with the spinning of fibers into yarn, then manufacturing to fabric and finally, adding value-enhancing treatments like washing, dyeing and finishing to the outfits. Frequently, these manufacturing processes contravene the overarching tenets of environmental viability. Compounded by escalating demand for apparel products, manufacturers exhibit diminished enthusiasm for the implementation of ecologically conscientious and sustainable production methodologies. Therefore, the fast swings in fashion trends and the shortening of vogue cycles are major accelerators for the disruption of ecological balance. In more recent times, a profusion of pioneering initiatives and advancements have been instigated to sustainable remedies within the production and consumption paradigms of the contemporary clothing sector. Moreover, sustainable techniques within the apparel sector encompass not just environmentally friendly supply chain control, but also the facilitation of a cost-effective and socially agreeable production setup. Future considerations and developments in sustainability in spinning, fabric production, wet processing, and garment manufacturing are explored in this review article. It delves into environmental issues and the ways in which modern clothing brands promote sustainable technologies and materials.
... In addition, environmental sustainability is a crucial consideration in business decision-making because it involves finding a balance between economic productivity and minimizing environmental impact (Lou et al., 2022). One of these is the study of secondhand consumption (Cuc & Vidovic, 2014;Xue et al. 2018). Although many companies claim to prioritize sustainability, they often focus on economic and social sustainability rather than issues of environmental sustainability (Brydges et al. 2022). ...
This study examines the impact of conspicuous consumption on environmentally sustainable fashion brands (ESFBs). Most previous studies have been limited to environmental perspectives; however, research on environmental behavior by conspicuousness has been lacking. This study views the brand as a tool for revealing oneself and examines the moderator brand–self-connection. It utilized a structural equation model with 237 valid questionnaires. Its findings are as follows: (1) Conspicuous consumption, fashion trend conspicuousness, and socially awakened conspicuousness positively affect the word-of-mouth (WOM) marketing of ESFBs. (2) Environmental belief is fully mediated by the environmental norm (EN) and does not directly affect WOM. (3) The more consumers are consistent with ESFBs, the stronger their WOM marketing. They are moderated only by the EN and socially awakened conspicuousness. (4) A higher fashion trend conspicuousness is associated with increased WOM marketing, indicating that such brands are frequently used as a method of self-expression. This study highlights consumers’ socially awakened conspicuousness and fashion trend conspicuousness in relation to ESFBs and discusses some implications.
... Therefore, millions of tons of textiles go to landfills around the world instead of being recovered and recycled [15]. Increasing textile recycling rates would help to reduce the negative environmental effects of the textile industry [16]. ...
Reusing and recycling End-Of-Life (EoL) textiles is a successful approach to develop sustainable and circular strategies in the apparel industry. Textile reuse and recycling can help to reduce the environmental impact of the fashion and textile industry by preserving natural resources and reducing waste. Textile fibers recognition and sorting, according to material composition, are of primary importance for the implementation of efficient and sustainable recycling strategies. In this work, Short-Wave InfraRed (SWIR: 1000–2500 nm) spectroscopy was applied to extract information regarding the fabric composition of different EoL textiles in order to set up a hierarchical classification procedure able to recognize different type of textile. In more detail, Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) pattern recognition technique was used and classifications were performed in two steps: (1) recognition of the fiber origin [i.e. plant-derived, animal-derived, artificial textiles such as synthetic and/or Man-Made Cellulosic Fibers (MMCFs)] and, (2) discrimination of fabrics according to the material classes (i.e. silk, cotton, wool, viscose, linen, jute, polyester and blends). The proposed chemometric technique successfully classified textiles based on their spectral properties. The acquired results are highly promising and provide important insight into the EoL textile recycling business. These analytical techniques have the potential to be utilized to successfully automate the recycling process, either in addition to or as a replacement for manual processes, hence improving sorting procedures.
Graphical Abstract
... Besides, the designer's role is not limited to creating clothes (Kozlowski et al., 2019); most fashion and apparel designers often fulfil multiple roles (Kozlowski et al., 2018). According to Cuc and Vidovic (2011), fashion and apparel designers should be aware of using the following features: the extensive use of protective fabrics, low-impact dyes and recycled fabrics derived from the natural environment in the design process; the creative design concept of clothing, which guides consumers to improve their understanding of eco-fashion clothes; the use of old clothes for new work to reduce the waste of resources; and design that aims for zero waste. ...
Eco-fashion literature ranges across topics such as the design process, sustainability, and various relevant indicators in fashion and apparel studies, such as the life cycle concept. However, no attempt has been made to merge these findings or investigate the relationship between sustainable design and the eco-fashion life cycle. This paper aims to provide an overview of eco-fashion design and several relevant factors to identify opportunities for further research in contemporary apparel design linked to sustainability. A systematic literature review was conducted, from the initial appearance of the eco-fashion design process and clothing life cycle up to articles published in December 2020, resulting in 163 papers. The study's main contribution is to clarify the relationship between the eco-fashion design process model and three influential sustainability factors, including social, economic, and environmental.
... Textile waste is one of the key challenges for a circular economy and is also an important environmental issue. There are diverse sources of this type of waste generation, covering the textile, textile and clothing industries, as well as the retail and service sectors (Cuc and Vidovic, 2011). Nevertheless, consumers are largely responsible for the generation of a significant amount of textile waste, which is discarded for reasons such as deterioration or lack of interest in the product (Ütebay et al., 2020). ...
... A fourth dimension, circularity, was added to account for the criteria that addressed the reduction in and recirculation of natural resources, an important aspect for the increased sustainability of consumption and production practices [106]. This aspect was considered in previous studies on the TCI [107,108] and was discussed as a new sustainability focus beyond the three dimensions [109,110]. Circularity criteria hamper the impacts on all three dimensions of sustainability and reduce the overall demand for new products or materials. ...
Considering the increasing demand for more sustainable products across many industries, eco-labels are a useful tool for communicating the sustainability-related performance of a product to the eco-conscious consumer. However, the abundance of different eco-labels and a lack of harmonization concerning their assessment methods can hamper their effectiveness. To address these shortcomings, this paper considers the methods employed by eco-labels in the textile and clothing industry to assess the sustainability-based performance of products. Using a sample of 10 eco-labels from the Ecolabel Index, a new framework for classifying eco-labels based on their assessment methods is developed. The framework includes two categories of label assignments ((i) binary and (ii) different levels of performance) and six types of assessment methods. These types are characterized according to the decision support features employed by the labels, such as lists of mandatory criteria, minimum (average) scores, percentage scores, and the weighting of sub-categories. The proposed framework shows the benefits of cascading decision science notions in the eco-labeling domain. It provides a harmonized vocabulary of components (i.e., a roadmap) to perform a consistent and traceable advancement of eco-labels. Consequently, it can be expanded at present to allow for the classification of other eco-labels in the textile and clothing industry and beyond.
... Polyester recycling is an important area of research in the textile industry (Fei et al. 2020). Textile waste is classified into three categories based on production: pre-consumer, post-consumer and industrial textile waste (Cuc et al. 2011). Textile waste is recycled at the end of its life to create new products or recover energy through tertiary recycling, biodegradable processing, and incineration processes (Boustead et al. 2005;Woolridge et al. 2006). ...
The waste management of polyethylene terephthalate (PET)–derived polyester (PES) textile is a global issue, and material recovery through chemical recycling can restore a circular economy. In our investigation, microwave-induced catalytic aminolysis and glycolysis of PES textile wastes using Ag-doped ZnO nanoparticles have been proposed. Ag-doped ZnO is prepared by the sol-gel method and characterised by XRD, FT-IR, UV-Vis, SEM-EDX and TEM. The reaction parameters such as PET-to-catalyst ratio, microwave power and irradiation time, temperature and catalyst recycling have been optimised. The catalyst was found to be more stable and could be recycled up to six times without losing its activity. Both the aminolysis and glycolysis of PES showed 100% conversion and afforded of bis (2-hydroxy ethylene) terephthalamide (BHETA) and bis (2-hydroxy ethylene) terephthalate (BHET), respectively. The depolymerisation of PES wastes using Ag-doped ZnO afforded BHETA and BHET for about 95 and 90%, respectively. The monomers BHET and BHETA confirmed by FT-IR, ¹H NMR and mass spectroscopy. According to the findings, 2 mol% Ag-doped ZnO has higher catalytic activity.
Graphical abstract
... The chemical recycling process is the best way to reduce PET waste economically. Textile waste is classi ed into three categories based on production: pre-consumer, post-consumer, and industrial textile waste (Cuc et al. 2011). Textile waste is frequently recycled at the end of its life and is used to create new products or recover energy through tertiary recycling, biodegradable processing, and incineration processes (Boustead et al. 2005;Woolridge et al. 2006). ...
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a nonbiodegradable and multi-functional plastic commodity that produces a significant amount of polyester (PES) textile waste. The management of PET solid waste is a global concern in many developing countries. Chemical recycling and material recovery from PES wastes can rebuild a circular economy in the textile sectors. The main objective of the present research is to enhance the chemical depolymerization of PES's textile wastes through microwave-induced catalytic aminolysis and glycolysis catalysed by Ag-doped ZnO nanoparticles. Catalysts are synthesised by the sol-gel method and characterised using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ultraviolet spectroscopy (UV-Vis), field emission scanning microscope (SEM-EDX), and transmission electron microscope (TEM). These parameters included the PET to catalyst ratio, microwave power, time, temperature, and catalyst recycling studies. The catalyst was discovered to be more stable and could be recycled up to six times without losing its activity. Microwave heating is typically faster than conventional heating techniques in terms of reaction time, PET conversion, product yield, and purity. In the aminolysis of PET, the effects of several factors on the conversion of PET and the yield of bis (2-hydroxy ethylene) terephthalamide (BHETA) and the glycolysis process to produce bis (2-hydroxy ethylene) terephthalate (BHET) were examined. The study's findings show that higher temperatures (180 °C) are beneficial for PES textile waste conversion and BHETA yield, which can reach nearly 95% and 94%, respectively. Finally, FT-IR, 1H NMR, and mass spectroscopy (MS) were used to characterise the depolymerized products. The study showed that 2 mol% Ag-doped ZnO showed better catalytic activity.
... The clothing industry is largely responsible for the consumption of non-renewable resources. According to studies, it is responsible for nearly 10% of greenhouse gas emissions in the world (Cuc and Vidovic (2014)). Most of these emissions concern the upstream, downstream and transport sectors which are exposed to different levels of emissions. ...
The clothing industry accounts for nearly 60% of the global textile industry. It is largely responsible for the consumption of non-renewable resources. According to studies, it is responsible for nearly 10% of greenhouse gas emissions in the world (Cuc and Vidovic (2014)). The aim of this article is to propose a planning approach that integrates two decision levels (strategic and tactical), using a new mixed integer linear programming model (MILP) that integrates carbon emissions in SCMP (Supply Chain Management Planning). This approach must be used in a general way in all SCMP industries for the control of carbon flows and resources. It could be used as a decision support tool to evaluate and monitor the effects of carbon emissions. This tool offer to the industrials the best choices at different stages (selection of suppliers, plants, transportation modes, storage etc.), with lower cost and carbon emissions. For this purpose, the approach is tested on several scenarios, based on severals literature case studies in the textile and clothing sectors. The results show that carbon price uncertainty would significantly influence the economic and environmental management of the supply chain, and the repartition of the manufacturing activity (insource or outsource). Over a range of carbon price scenarios, the results show a reduction over to 36% in carbon emissions in the supply chain.
... [1,17,20] MS3 Encourage using recycled input materials at every stage. [16,27] MS4 ...
The textile industry causes various types of pollution due to extensive utilization of resources, resulting in harmful impacts on the natural environment and people’s health. As a result, many environmental organizations and countries are implementing various environmental safety policies. The developing countries are making less effort in the protection of the global environment. Hence, it is very important to analyse the environmental sustainability situation of the developing production markets and subsequently provide suggestions for improvement. Pakistan is a developing textile market, providing a range of textile products around the world. This paper presents the results of a survey regarding the environmental sustainability in the textile industry of Pakistan related to energy sustainability, water sustainability, air sustainability, materials sustainability, transportation sustainability, safety & health and consumer use sustainability. For the data collection, this research uses a structured questionnaire, interviews, and personal visits to 122 textile mills. Data collected through a questionnaire related to the above areas of sustainability was analysed by calculating the frequency distribution, mean, and median in the statistical software SPSS. The results of the data analysis exhibited that the Pakistani textile companies are gradually improving many environmental sustainability areas. The paper identifies some weak sustainability areas which need more attention to accelerate the implementation process. In addition, the textile companies that are involved in international trade tend the implementation of environmental sustainability. In addition, this study integrates the insights for policymakers and practitioners to improve the environmental sustainability in the textile industry of the developing markets.
... Considering that almost all textiles are fully recyclable, landfilling should be the last management option for this waste [11]. Increasing textile recycling rates would reduce the already mentioned negative environmental impacts linked to this industrial sector [12]. ...
The life cycle of textiles (i.e., fabrics and apparel products) generates many environmental impacts, such as resource consumption, water, soil, and air pollution through the dispersion of chemical substances and greenhouse gases. For these reasons, in 2019, textiles were identified as a “priority product category for the circular economy” by the European Commission that proposed a new circular economy action plan focusing on recycling. An in-depth characterization of textile fabrics could lead to an ad hoc recycling procedure, reducing resource consumption and chemicals utilization. In this work, NIR (1000–1650 nm) spectroscopy was applied to extract information regarding fabric composition, with reference to cotton, silk, viscose, and some of their blends, using two different devices: a hyperspectral imaging (HSI) platform and a portable spectroradiometer. The different fabrics were correctly classified based on their spectral features by both detection instruments. The proposed methodological approach can be applied for quality control in the textile recycling sector at industrial and/or laboratory scale thanks to the easiness of use and the speed of detection.
... Thus, synthetic fiber waste is another large group of textile waste whose management, recycling, and reuse issues need to be addressed. The reuse and recycling of textiles could be seen as a way to social and economic benefits and a means of stimulating the nation's economy [7]. For these reasons, research into the possibilities of using various textile fiber waste to produce new functional materials is becoming increasingly relevant. ...
Textile production has been steadily increasing for a few decades and, as a result, the amount of industrial textile waste is also increasing. This waste can be reused as raw material to produce new functional composites. Such materials can be used for special purposes with varying combinations of physical and chemical properties by using polymers modified with thin semiconductive or electrically conductive layers of binary inorganic compounds. In this paper, a study of the possibilities of altering the properties of synthetic fiber conductivity by modification with copper selenide is presented. A two-step adsorption/diffusion method was used for the copper selenide layer forming on the surface of the fibers. The treatment process was repeated cyclically. To evaluate the morphological properties of CuxSe treated fibers, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersion X-ray (EDX) were performed. The study showed that the chosen modification method is more suitable for PA and PAN fibers. Dense layers of copper selenides were successfully formed on their surface, which significantly reduced their electrical resistance.
... Meanwhile what is remarkable about textile companies with respect to sustainability is the distance between their rhetoric and the reality (Jensen, 2015). Despite the best intentions, most textile waste gets recycled as industrial fibre or becomes land fill (Bianchi & Birtwistle, 2012;Cuc & Vidovic, 2011;Hawley, 2000). Against this backdrop, the production, marketing, sale, use and disposal of clothing emerges as key areas where the circular economy can evolve for governments, large companies, non-profits and SMEs. ...
Situation faced: This case presents the story of Oasis Coffins, a manufacturer of beautiful hand-crafted coffins and ash urns. This venture began its operations in Bangladesh, paradoxically a Muslim majority country where the demand for coffin is limited. Action taken: The founder of Oasis Coffins, David How, who is a Chartered Environmentalist, took advantage of the location and sustainably sourced natural products that are abundantly available in Bangladesh. Using these products, Oasis Coffins dedicatedly develops coffins and exploits the recent trend of “green” death in the global funeral industry. Results achieved: While both born global firms and sustainability have received significant academic attention in recent years, most studies are based on firms of developed economies. Addressing the research gap, the authors have selected Oasis Coffins, a small venture that successfully integrated the economic, social, and environmental sustainability dimensions while operating from a developing nation. The paper discusses how Oasis Coffins operates as a sustainable business in Bangladesh and has been successfully exporting funeral products in international markets such as the UK, Holland, and Germany. The authors provide an account of the financial challenges, the supply chain, and promotional strategies of Oasis Coffins. Lessons learned: While this study is a significant contribution to the SME, sustainability, and born global literature, it broaches discussion on the founder’s capabilities surrounding opportunity recognition, exploitation, and establishment of a born global firm in a developing nation.
... Meanwhile what is remarkable about textile companies with respect to sustainability is the distance between their rhetoric and the reality (Jensen, 2015). Despite the best intentions, most textile waste gets recycled as industrial fibre or becomes land fill (Bianchi & Birtwistle, 2012;Cuc & Vidovic, 2011;Hawley, 2000). Against this backdrop, the production, marketing, sale, use and disposal of clothing emerges as key areas where the circular economy can evolve for governments, large companies, non-profits and SMEs. ...
While some firms may struggle to balance corporate responsibility and strategic imperatives, other companies have incorporated responsibility in their DNA by changing perspectives. This chapter proposes an organizing framework for marketing responsibility. More specifically, it frames responsible marketing in contrast to other related marketing types. It stipulates that sustainability marketing has long reigned as state of the art in corporate responsibility but remains fraught with an instrumental perspective to responsibility, consisting of using it extrinsically to reap strategic and economic objectives (i.e., as a means to achieve profits). As such, sustainability marketing remains imprisoned in the ideological structure, which contributes precisely to environmental depletion and social pauperization for the sole purpose of spurring growth and profit. Instead, responsible marketing entails a broader shift by reshaping our views on the system, a sinequanon condition to enable responsibility and ethics to flourish genuinely. Responsibility is viewed intrinsically as an end in itself and not as a means to other questionable ends. After delineating the various components of responsible marketing and the nature of responsible marketing, the chapter presents a practice-oriented responsible marketing mix called the “4Cs,” and which replace the “4Ps.” Three case studies are then analyzed according to the 4C framework, emphasizing how responsibility might be imbued in the four critical elements of the marketing mix. A final section wraps up the chapter by discussing the role of firms in pursuing responsibility and discussing implications for the State, for consumers, and perspectives for the future.
... By establishing recovery units, some of the waste generated in the textile and textile fields can be transferred to the recovery unit where fibers are recovered [7]. Combining with the view of "slow fashion", Freudenreich proposed a framework for efficiency-oriented business offering, aiming to reduce the total amount of clothing produced, used and discarded [8]. ...
More and more garment enterprises begin to pay attention to the importance of recycling, take the corresponding recycling strategy to recycle garment products and remanufacture, forming a closed-loop supply chain (CLSC). In reality, recycling is a complex system, the recycling strategy of clothing brands will not only affect the reverse channel of closed-loop supply chain, but also affect the consumer demand of forward channel, and then affect the profit of supply chain. In order to solve this problem, we propose a CLSC composed of a manufacturer, a retailer and a collector, establish three different Stackelberg leadership models, and derive the optimal recycling strategy. Our results show that consumers' sensitivity to the recycling price will affect the optimal decision of supply chain members. The increase of the recycling market is not always beneficial to the profits of supply chain members. By comparing the profits of the three models, it is found that the retailer leadership model is the most effective scenario of CLCS. The results of this paper provide a reference for garment enterprises to formulate recycling strategies.
... Tüketici sonrası atıklar ise sahibinin ihtiyaç duymadığı, ürünün küçük yada büyük gelmesi, modasının geçmesi gibi sebeplerle atmaya karar verdiği giysi ve ev eşyalarını kapsamaktadır. Bu eşyalar genellikle belediyelerin atık depolama alanlarına atıldığı gibi ikinci el eşya olarak satılabilmektedir (Cuc ve Vidovic, 2011). ...
Dünyadaki bilimsel gelişmeler, endüstrileşme, yaşam standartlarının değişmesi ve hızlı nüfus artışıyla birlikte insanlar daha fazla üretmeye ve tüketmeye başlamıştır. Artan tüketim oranları kaynakların hızla tükenmesine ve atık maddelerin çoğalmasına sebep olmuştur. Bu doğrultuda, son yıllarda sürdürülebilirlik kavramı önem kazanmaya başlamıştır. Çevreyi olumsuz yönde etkileyen, üretim ve tüketimin en çok olduğu alanlardan birisi de moda ve tekstildir. Bu alanda, tüketim öncesi ve tüketim sonrası oluşan atıkların çeşitli yollarla geri ka-zandırılarak tekrar kullanımı sağlanmaktadır. Bu sayede, atıkların çevreye olumsuz etkisi en aza indirgenerek, ürünlerin kullanım ömrünü arttırmak hedeflenmektedir. Çalışmada, sürdürülebilirliğin moda ve tekstil sektörüne ne şekilde etkide bulunduğu araştırılmış ve bunun sanat ürünlerine yansımaları örneklerle incelenmiştir.
... According to Cuc and Vidovic (2014), the recycling and reuse of textiles, due to its greatness, is certainly a path that can generate numerous socioeconomic benefits capable of boosting a nation. The recycling and reuse of textiles and their waste fall within the concept of a "circular economy", which has gained strength and attention from political (research and development), private (business opportunities) and civil society (cooperatives) (Leal Filho et al., 2019). ...
Even with constant scientific advancement and technological development, the manufacturing activities of textile industry have changed little in relation to the original production systems, especially in poor/emerging countries, which concentrate the largest production volumes in the globe. Therefore, the polluting loads deposited in the soil, in the water, and in the atmosphere, in addition to the forest impacts caused by the textile industry are a serious problem. For these reasons, it is important to recognize how these problems affect society and how urgent it is to find more effective solutions. In this context, the present research aims to investigate the sectorial processes that make up the textile production chain, and show how each segment of this chain negatively affects the environment. Also, considering the problems that each textile process generates, from an ecological point of view, this work searched for types of eco-responsible actions that could be suggested, studied and/or implemented (within current technical/technological possibilities), to make the entire production chain more sustainable. Thus, the content presented in this study aims to address an idea of re-engineering, that is, something that can be rethought, reevaluated, renewed, and restructured within the scope of traditional textile processes, considering eco-responsible solutions for increased environmental sustainability.
Fibrous membranes have received increasing attention in solar-driven desalination, while they commonly suffer from low production efficacy and high cost during the spinning process. Focusing on the huge amount of waste textiles, this work converts them into hydrogel-modified renovated fabrics (HRF) for solar-driven desalination. The HRF has been prepared by extracting fibers from waste textiles made from polyacrylonitrile, waving into the honeycomb-mimic renovated fabrics (RF), and modifying with the hydrogel containing carbon black via chemical bath deposition, successively. The periodically concave pores of HRF promote multiple light absorption, yielding a high photoabsorption efficiency of > 98 % and good solar-thermal conversion. With the hydrogel modification, the water evaporation enthalpy decreases to 1668.1 kJ kg−1 compared with that (∼2400 kJ kg−1) of bulk water. The HRF-based hanging evaporator is then constructed and exhibits an evaporation rate of 2.58 kg m−2h−1 and an efficiency of 94.1 % under sunlight irradiation. The hanging evaporator attains a stable evaporation rate without solid-salt precipitation under 24 h of irradiation, better than the floating evaporator. In addition, the HRF has a low overall cost of $7.2 m−2. Therefore, this work offers insights into the reutilization of waste textiles in photothermal seawater desalination.
Amongst all synthetic polymers used in the clothing industry, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is the most widely used polyester, its fibres representing half the total PET global market (in comparison bottle PET being less than a third). Compared to bottle PET, the recycling of fabric PET fibres represents a challenge, both due to intrinsic structural differences (chain length and crystallinity) and to the presence of various additives (dyes, protection or finishing agents). Effective waste management requires addressing these additives through elimination or recycling processes. This review article aims to give an overview about all the existing means to recycle PET fibres. Textile recycling encompasses primary (closed-loop), secondary (mechanical), tertiary (chemical), and quaternary (incineration with energy recovery) processes. Mechanical recycling faces challenges due to PET's characteristics, including lower molecular weight and additives. Chemical recycling, particularly solvolysis processes (hydrolysis in neutral, acidic, or alkaline media, alcoholysis, glycolysis, aminolysis or enzymatic hydrolysis), offers a more advanced approach and will be described in detail, focusing both on the specific recycling of fibres when available and enlightening the advantages and drawbacks of each method. To discuss the environmental impact of each process, a quantitative analysis was conducted by defining the experimental domain represented by the temperature range and reaction time, and then calculating the energy-saving coefficient, as a green metric adapted to the diversity of textile PET recycling processes and data provided in the literature. This coefficient allows for discussing the relevance of using complex or non-renewable catalysts in processes, the positioning of enzymatic pathways, and the choice of reaction mechanisms applicable to the industry. A prospective approach was employed to identify key criteria for future advancements in green recycling. Subsequently, a comparative analysis of depolymerisation methods will be presented within the context of sustainable development goals (SDGs), green chemistry, and green metrics. Finally, using ε factors, this analysis will facilitate the detection and highlighting of pathways that show the most promise in terms of greening PET recycling.
Despite receiving increasing attention from academic scholars, there has yet to be a review study on the topic of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices in the textile and apparel (T&A) supply chains. To establish the field further, the purpose of this paper is twofold. First, it offers a literature review on CSR practices in supply chains and the core concerns of CSR in the textile and apparel supply chain to allow the mapping of practices. Second, it provides a conceptual framework to summarize the research in this field. Using review methodology, we reveal that labour and environmental issues are two outstanding CSR subjects and have received a lot of attention and requirements from buyers and other stakeholders in the textile and apparel industries. Other socially related aspects and the integration of the three dimensions of sustainability are still neglected. The study’s findings provide implications for academic scholars, policymakers, start-up owners, entrepreneurs, and practitioners.
This paper focuses on modelling and solving the problems related to four-level of closed-lopp supply chain management (CLSC), from the supplier to the retailers and the recycling center. A new Mixed integer linear programming model has been developed. This model can be used as a decision support tool for all industries wishing to improve their economic and environmental performances. In this study, we addressed specially the case of the textile industry. The results show that by recycling and reusing recycled resources, the textile industry can reduce its emissions over to 42.5%, for an additional investment of 34.19%, with a carbon tax of 86 € per ton of emissions. While, without recycling and for the same carbon tax, industries would invest 68.73% more, for an emissions reduction of 12.74%.KeywordsClosed-loop supply chainMixed integer linear programmingEconomic and environmental aspectRecycled material
Egypt, like other countries, has relied on the economic growth model based on the quantitative increase in the gross domestic product, which means, facing the same challenges that threaten the continuity of this growth, namely, the problems of pollution and waste resulting from economic activity, and their negative effects on the ecosystem and human health, as well as Problems of scarcity, depletion of natural resources, in addition to energy problems, and the decreasing of availability of fresh water supplies, as it is expected that by 2025 Egypt will suffer severe water poverty. Therefore, it has become necessary to adopt a new model of growth, be sustainable, and depends on the establishment of new green industries that address the problems of pollution, waste, energy and water, in addition to greening the existing economic sectors. The manufacturing sector comes at the forefront of those economic sectors that must receive attention in this context, to alleviate the conflict between current industrial development, energy, resources and the environment. Therefore, the current study aimed to shed light on the current situation of the green industry in Egypt and its role in promoting sustainable growth, in addition to evaluating green industrial development in the manufacturing sector and industries of a green nature, including: renewable energy, solid waste recycling, treatment, recycling and use of sewage water. To achieve the previous goals, the study relied on the descriptive analytical method in reviewing the current situation of the green industry in Egypt, in addition to the use of the quantitative method in evaluating green industrial development in Egypt, using "Taipo Decoupling Index", and by creating a composite indicator for green industrial development, in addition to a number of indicators that reflect the development of the performance of some industries of a green nature, and a number of quantitative equations to estimate the possibilities of some of those industries. The study found, an improvement in the environmental performance of some manufacturing industries (greening the industry), through programs to control industrial pollution, improve energy efficiency, and transfer environmentally sound technology, also found, the possibility of the contribution of the green industries (under study) in promoting sustainable growth, by providing job opportunities, reducing demand for imports, reducing energy consumption and improving the quality of the environment and water.
A abordagem Zero Waste (ou zero resíduo), aplicada à produção do vestuário, promete a eliminação dos descartes têxteis durante o processo produtivo, promovendo ações em direção à sustentabilidade. Dentro dessa perspectiva, o presente artigo busca identificar aspectos críticos e limitações do processo de criação e modelagem usando a abordagem Zero Waste, para sua aplicação na indústria do vestuário, na produção em larga escala. Para tanto, a pesquisa partiu de bibliografia relacionada ao tema e do estudo teórico e experimental das propostas dos principais designers do vestuário que utilizam as técnicas de criação e modelagem com a abordagem Zero Waste e, como resultado, o artigo apresenta uma discussão sobre os aspectos limitantes e alternativas viáveis para sua implementação no processo produtivo de confecção de vestuário em larga escala.
Using plastics has become an essential part of human life today and plays a pivotal role in food packaging to fabrics. Among plastics, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), also known as “polyester resin” or PES fibers, has made it possible for lower-income communities all over the world to develop cost-effective fabrics. Since then, it increased tremendously the usage of polyester resin in either pure form or blended with other fiber form and over 60% clothing produced using polyester resin. The life cycle assessment of PET fibers revealed that in order to reduce the environmental impact, effective recycling methods must be implemented. Physical and chemical methods, which reduce the use of fresh raw materials, could majorly recycle the post-consumer waste of PES fabrics or fibers. Most recently, the development of the circular economy has created an ample opportunity for “recycled PES” in textile fibers. The chapter intended to provide information on recent developments in the physical and chemical recycling of PES fibers or any PET waste such as beverage bottles and the conversion of them into PES fibers. In addition, we have discussed the degradation of PES using biological treatment methods and biodegradable PES fibers in the chapter.KeywordsAminolysisBiological treatmentChemical recyclingCircular economyDepolymerizationGlycolysisPETTextile wastes
The concept of circular economy is gaining traction as an alternative way of overcoming sustainability issues embedded in the linear fashion system. Circular economy business models are established based on the concept that the resources are kept on using for a longer period. Extending product life, a key strategy of circular economy, aims to keep the product in use to the highest extent as possible through design and operational practices. This chapter offers a comprehensive overview of strategies that enables extending the life of a fashion product. Three major strategies of (i) design for long life, (ii) product service systems that enable collaborative consumption through repairing, exchange, rental and leasing services, and (iii) refashioning models which are facilitated by the producer, or consumer-based Do-It-Yourself (DIY) methods are discussed in detail, together with their pros and cons. This analysis provides useful insights for the designers, consumers and businesses to support the transition towards sustainable and circular fashion.KeywordsCircular fashionProduct life extensionSustainable fashionCollaborative consumptionProduct service systems
The expansion of clothing and textile industry and the fast fashion trend among consumers have caused a rapid global increase in textile waste in the municipal solid waste (MSW) stream. Worldwide, 75% of textile waste is landfilled, while 25% is recycled or reused. Landfilling of textile waste is a prevalent option that is deemed unsustainable. Promoting an enhanced diversion of textile waste from landfills demands optimized reuse and recycling technologies. Reuse is the more preferred option compared with recycling. Various textile reuse and recycling technologies are available and progressively innovated to favor blended fabrics. This paper aims to establish reuse and recycling technologies (anaerobic digestion, fermentation, composting, fiber regeneration, and thermal recovery) to manage textile waste. Improved collection systems, automation of sorting, and discovering new technologies for textile recycling remains a challenge. Applying extended producer responsibility (EPR) policy and a circular economy system implies a holistic consensus among major stakeholders.
Situation faced: While it may be useful to have a comprehensive wardrobe given the desire to wear different outfits in a variety of situations, it is possible that there is a point where one can simply have too many clothes. This case study sheds light on how consumers in Australia make choices to dispose of and recycle clothing and how big retailers can effectively create value by facilitating clothing recycling instead of relying on notions of passive corporate social responsibility evolving over time. Actions taken: A sample of 455 responses predominantly from female participants in Australia invited via LinkedIn platform provided the key evidence on clothing consumption pattern and disposal preferences in Australia. The results from this clothing consumption behaviour survey have then been linked to the recent recycling leveraging strategy and actions of a large clothing retailer operating in Australia which mainly includes recycling, upcycling and value co-creation with strategic partners to advance sustainability innovation. Results Achieved: Result from the regression analysis of the survey data indicates that ‘no longer fits’ is the key determinant of a decision to donate to clothing recycling outlets followed by ‘wear and tear’ and then ‘out of fashion’. It is suggested that strategies could be formulated that would incentivise and encourage a better flow of quality garments to the recycled clothing outlets and create a stream of customers to the branded fashion suppliers. Survey result also shows that consumers may consider sourcing more of their apparel from recycled clothing outlets if they are guided towards models of shared ownership, fashion libraries or rental options. In line with our findings, the selected clothing retailer is leveraging recycling, reuse, rewear and upcyling in Australia using SMEs, non-profits and consumers as closed-loop supply chain partners. Lessons learned: Big clothing retailers, small- and medium-sized enterprises and non-profit organisations may take advantage of this growing interest in clothing recycling through co-creation of values. Consumers can be an active partner in this integrated model of responsible clothing consumption and conscientious capitalism by attaching redeemable credits at the point of purchase for higher quality slow fashion garments. Larger retailers may consider facilitating clothing swaps in a variety of venues and methods by using smaller regional businesses or non-profit organisations. This would create a closed-loop in a move towards circular economy. Implications have been drawn for the managers of clothing retailers, SMEs, and non-profit organisations in Australia.
The current consumption of clothing and textile causes great environmental concerns in the society, especially textile waste. With increasing environmental awareness, textile industries have begun to consider environmental issues in their production. This study evaluated and prioritized the important environmental performance criteria related to textile industry. In this paper, a recently developed multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) method, namely Best-Worst Method (BWM) which can solve decision making problems based on limited pairwise comparisons, was used to evaluate the environmental performance criteria in textile industry in order to derive the weights of the criteria and priorities of the sub-criteria. This study used five environmental performance criteria and twenty sub-criteria selected from the literature and validated by experts. After that, the BWM calculated the importance of each criterion. The findings showed that raw material, chemical oxygen demand and fresh water are the most important criteria while fabric waste, methane and non-biodegradable material are the least crucial criteria. This research provided useful insights for stakeholders in textile industry so that they can benefit from the results to optimize their operations.
This paper investigates the morphology, mechanical and thermal insulation properties of textile air conditioner dust-filled polyurethane (PU) rigid foams. Textile air conditioner dust occurs during the spinning process of staple fibres. It consists of cotton fibre impurities as boll, leaf, and short fibres that generate a vast environmental load. This dust is used as a filler and dispersed in polyurethane up to 40% wt. The cell -size of foams decreased and cell -density increased by the increase in filler ratios in which the dust acted as a heterogeneous nucleation site during cell formation. The dust agglomerated in polyurethane foam and induced irregular cell wall and hence non-uniform cell formation and many broken cells. The flexural strength and modulus decreased in higher dust content (40% wt.). The lower thermal insulation of cellulose-based dust and damaged structure/uniformity of foam cells resulted in an unstable/lower thermal conductivity of dust-filled polyurethane rigid foam composites.
Underutilization, downcycling, and landfilling of clothes and their material remain challenging problems of the current clothing consumption system (CCS). Past research and the stakeholders of CCS recognize the circular economy as a solution. However, a review of CCS's existing structure, past research, and publicly available information on its industry practices and solutions reflect potential oversight and partial adoption of the circular economy and the unintended loss of value and market share for brands. Our investigation shows that around two-thirds of sample three hundred brands and brand owners do not engage in value maximization activities from used clothes. Furthermore, only four percent of the sample engages in upcycling, and it remains a niche activity as the availability of similar used clothes remains a primary barrier in scaling it up. This analytical investigation proposes an explicit CCS structure. It supports it with a customizable framework of a closed-loop hybrid business model (CLHBM) as an improved solution to scale up and accelerate reuse, upcycling, and recycling of used clothes. It uses a hypothetical example and stylized model to illustrates the potential of CLHBM-approach to generate higher margins and increase the economic pie for brands while reducing the virgin material pie and increasing the product and material life compared to business-as-usual-approach. The paper concludes with a discussion and recommendations for proposed solutions' successful implementation.
Çalışma, sürdürülebilir giyim satın alma davranışının bir bireyin dindarlık özellikleri ile karakterize edilip edilmediğini keşfetmeyi amaçlamaktadır. Çalışmada ayrıca moda bağlılığı ve çevre yanlısı tutumların bu ilişkiye nasıl aracılık ettiği belirlenmeye çalışılmıştır. Araştırmanın evrenini Türkiye’de yaşayan ve giyim üzerine alışveriş yapan tüketiciler oluşturmaktadır. Araştırmanın amacı kapsamında 394 katılımcıdan anket formu ile kolayda örneklem metodu kullanılarak veri toplanmıştır. Önerilen yapısal modeli test etmek için kısmi en küçük karelere dayalı yapısal eşitlik modeli Smart PLS 3.3.2 (PLS-SEM) kullanılmıştır. Elde edilen sonuçlara göre içsel ve dışsal dindarlık moda bağlılığını, çevre yanlısı tutumu ve sürdürülebilir giyim satın alma davranışını olumlu yönde etkilemektedir. Moda bağlılığının ve çevre yanlısı tutumun benzer şekilde sürdürülebilir giyim satın alma davranışını olumlu yönde etkilediği tespit edilmiştir. Ayrıca moda bağlılığının; dışsal dindarlık ile sürdürülebilir giyim satın alma davranışına ve çevre yanlısı tutumun; içsel/dışsal dindarlık ile sürdürülebilir giyim satın alma davranışı üzerinde aracılık rolü tespit edilmiştir.
As we know, the textile industry led the world into an industrial revolution in 19th century but during these days aquatic toxicity initiated. For the production of new materials, the textile industry utilizes a large amount of energy and hazardous chemicals which puts a heavy strain on global resources and also affects the sustainability of textiles. The toxic effluent used during the various processes damages the groundwater and aquatic life involves huge consumption of energy in different forms. In this regard, alternative approaches and techniques are required to ensure the sustainability of textile processing. Green chemistry emerged as an effective and advantageous tool to make textile processing sustainable and also helped in the development of alternative green and biodegradable chemicals useable as wetting, washing, and finishing agents. Green chemistry is essentially a branch of chemistry that reduces any adverse environmental impact of chemical processes and products for sustainable development and provides a solution for many health and environmental economic problems caused by industrial chemicals. This chapter deals with the review of new approaches and techniques of green chemistry implemented for the development of the textile industry.
The crucial issue for the greening of small and medium-sized enterprises is the embedding into an overall supply chain management. In this context, transparency and communication are key factors. Analyzing environmental and economic impacts within supply chains, we destinguish three different levels: the process level, the plant level, and the product level. Within this research project, the economic and environmental benefits of product integrated environmental protection strategies are investigated. An example is given by the whole textile supply chain for wool. With respect to the issue of cooperation we show the importance of environmental information management and its effect on decentralized decision making.
The Llama fleece types, subjectively defined as styles, are described objectively through different types of fibres, which differentiate each other in length, thickness, type of waves, and presence–absence of lustre. Repeatability of styles and fleece types objectively defined is high. Fleece types can be redefined as double coated and single coated; lustre and hemilustre; intermediate coated as intermediate between lustre and single coated; and intermediate between single coated and double coated, respectively. The differentiation is carried out among the most representative types of fibres of each fleece type considering that the frequency of these fibre types does not influence greatly in the differentiation.
Concerns for the environment has forced many firms define policies that protect the environment within which they operate. This paper presents a linear optimization model for paper industry to compare total system cost of wood as a raw material with recycling of waste paper. Objective of the proposed model is to minimize the cost of paper in the supply chain. Costs included in the objective functions are: costs for collection of raw material, transportation, inventory, manufacturing, segregation and disposal (during recycling). The model also includes the economic implications of using these alternative material sources on environment as well as quality of final product. To gain further insights into system behavior, sensitivity analysis, shortage analysis and indifference curve analysis have been performed. The analysis clearly reveals that the paper recycling is an economical option compared to wood as a raw material. The paper analysis highlights various strategies that could be followed under different market conditions.
In this chapter we explore the issues of reverse logistics for recycling within the carpet industry, including an economic analysis of the success of carpet recycling. In particular, we look at:
• Carpet recycling (Section 7.2);
• The future of reverse logistics for the carpet industry (Section 7.3);
• A framework for understanding recycling (Section 7.4);
• Policy options and implications (Section 7.5); and
• Areas for future research (Section 7.6).
The relationship between municipal solid waste generation rates and income is assumed to be a direct and positive one. The present paper analyzes this relationship for 123 countries, based on data compiled by the United Nations. It was found that instead of a straight line, solid waste generation shows a curvilinear shape as income increases. The proposed model indicates a transitional pattern: as a country develops, its waste generation rate increases; then for middle and upper-income countries a transition takes place, in which waste generation and income show a very weak association, and for the wealthiest countries, their waste generation rates actually decrease.
The design of the distribution system is a strategic issue for almost every company. The problem of locating facilities and allocating customers covers the core topics of distribution system design. Model formulations and solution algorithms which address the issue vary widely in terms of fundamental assumptions, mathematical complexity and computational performance. This paper reviews some of the contributions to the current state-of-the-art. In particular, continuous location models, network location models, mixed-integer programming models, and applications are summarized.
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