Revolution of reuse of materials in the textile industry: How technology transforms waste into sustainable fibers

In the era of climate change and increasing awareness of the preservation of our planet, the textile industry is on...

In the era of climate change and increasing awareness of the preservation of our planet, the textile industry is on the threshold of revolutionary changes. Progress and innovations in textile recycling and repurposing pave the way to reducing waste, conserving resources and promoting sustainability. This revolution, which is based on the principles of green transition and circular economy, is not only necessary; it is also inevitable.

When it comes to the textile industry, this means thinking about the entire life cycle of the product - from growing and producing fibers, through processing and manufacturing, to use and final disposal.

Innovative recycling technologies, which are at the heart of the transformation of waste into sustainable polyester fibers, represent a revolutionary progress in the textile industry, with profound implications for the conservation of the environment and resources. These technologies, which include advanced mechanical and chemical recycling methods, not only efficiently separate and convert old textiles into new fibers, but also allow the preservation of the material's true value. The mechanical recycling approach focuses on the physical processing of textile waste to turn it into new fibers, while chemical recycling breaks down polymers to their basic units - monomers, allowing the creation of fibers that are qualitatively comparable, if not superior, to the original material.

The process of transforming waste into sustainable fibers includes waste collection and sorting, shredding and washing, chemical processing, polymerization and extrusion, and texturing and finishing process. This entire process not only reduces the need for new polyester materials, but also drastically reduces the amount of textile waste, which would otherwise end up in landfills or be burned, releasing harmful emissions into the atmosphere.

Biodegradable polyester

Biodegradable polyester offers an alternative to traditional polyester, which is known for its durability, but also problematic degradability.

Biodegradable polyester can be broken down into natural ingredients such as water, carbon dioxide (or methane in anaerobic conditions) and biomass, thus directly responding to the challenges of pollution, resource conservation, excessive amounts of waste in landfills, and thus negative impact on the environment.

These materials are specifically designed to degrade when exposed to conditions that include the presence of microorganisms, moisture and oxygen, making them particularly suitable for reducing the long-term accumulation of plastic. They also offer an effective solution to reducing waste and combating microplastic pollution, two key issues that plague the textile industry and wider ecological systems. One full washing machine for polyester fabrics releases as many as 700 thousand microfibers in one washing cycle.

By considering the entire product life cycle, from production to final disposal, biodegradable polyesters support the philosophy of the circular economy, enabling the textile industry to take significant steps towards sustainability. Therefore, biodegradable polyester does not represent only the technological progress, but also an ethical choice that contributes to the preservation of the environment.

The production of cellulose fibers from food waste

In addition to recycled polyester fibers, the balance between efficiency and sustainability is also brought to us by cellulose fibers. Linking sustainable fibers with food waste opens up new, innovative paths in the textile industry, moving towards environmentally sustainable production methods that contribute to waste reduction. Using different forms of food waste, such as fruit peels, vegetable scraps and plant residues, it is possible to produce sustainable fibers that are not only environmentally friendly, but also economical.

One example of how food waste can be transformed into a valuable resource is the production of cellulose fibers from orange peel. In Italy, which stands out as the second European country in citrus production and processing, more than 1 million tons of waste from this industry is generated annually. In order to address the issue of this waste, a patented process was developed for obtaining cellulose from the peel of citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons, which further serves as a starting point for the production of textile cellulose fibers.

The starting raw material in this process is the waste peel of citrus, which is created as a by-product of the industrial processing of citrus into juices and other products. The process of obtaining cellulose from citrus peels involves the extraction and processing of by-products obtained during juice production, transforming them into fibers that can be used in the textile industry.

Orange is not the only plant that is used to create innovative products in the textile industry, especially as a substitute for traditional materials, and some plants that stand out in this process are: pineapple, cactus, bamboo, mushrooms, agave and many others.

Ecological impact and future

The ecological impact of this revolution is huge. In addition to reducing waste and preserving fossil fuels, recycled polyester is more energy efficient, which further reduces greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption. Recycling technology is constantly evolving, promising even greater efficiency and a smaller ecological footprint.

Sustainable polyester fibers are a key component in creating a sustainable future for the textile industry. By promoting the green transition and circular economy, the textile industry can play a vital role in protecting our planet, ensuring that fashion becomes not only a style of expression, but also a symbol of sustainability. The revolution of material reuse in the textile industry is not only about transforming waste; it's about transforming our way of life, business, and the way we treat the environment. Together, step by step, we can make big changes for the better.