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Textile and Product Development from End-of-Use Cotton Apparel: A Study to Reclaim Value from Waste

Author

Listed:
  • Huantian Cao

    (Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA)

  • Kelly Cobb

    (Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA)

  • Michelle Yatvitskiy

    (Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA)

  • Megan Wolfe

    (Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA)

  • Hongqing Shen

    (Cotton Incorporated, Cary, NC 27513, USA)

Abstract

The textile and apparel production and consumption generate a huge amount of solid textile waste. Mechanical recycling is one main method to recycle cotton waste; however, shredding in mechanical recycling shortens fiber length and reduces fiber quality. As a result, the application of mechanically recycled textiles may be limited. This research investigated mechanical methods to recycle post-consumer cotton textile waste and designed and developed second-life products. This study applied research through design methodology and documented step-by-step textile and product development practices to communicate the results. Using the textiles from deconstructed end-of-use garments with a high cotton content (80% or higher), combined with other materials, the researchers developed yarns, and nonwoven, woven, quilted, tufted fabrics. The researchers tested textile properties such as “yarn” tensile strength and elongation, fabric thickness, thermal resistance, air permeability, and stiffness. Using fabrics developed from end-of-use cotton waste, the researchers designed and developed high-value products such as bags, decorative textile, a hat, cell phone and glasses cases, and garments to contribute to the sustainability and circularity of cotton.

Suggested Citation

  • Huantian Cao & Kelly Cobb & Michelle Yatvitskiy & Megan Wolfe & Hongqing Shen, 2022. "Textile and Product Development from End-of-Use Cotton Apparel: A Study to Reclaim Value from Waste," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-20, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:14:p:8553-:d:861480
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Esteve-Turrillas, F.A. & de la Guardia, M., 2017. "Environmental impact of Recover cotton in textile industry," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 116(C), pages 107-115.
    2. Xiufen Xie & Yan Hong & Xianyi Zeng & Xiaoqun Dai & Melissa Wagner, 2021. "A Systematic Literature Review for the Recycling and Reuse of Wasted Clothing," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(24), pages 1-20, December.
    3. Cristina Luján-Ornelas & Leonor Patricia Güereca & María-Laura Franco-García & Michiel Heldeweg, 2020. "A Life Cycle Thinking Approach to Analyse Sustainability in the Textile Industry: A Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(23), pages 1-19, December.
    4. Katarina Lindström & Therese Sjöblom & Anders Persson & Nawar Kadi, 2020. "Improving Mechanical Textile Recycling by Lubricant Pre-Treatment to Mitigate Length Loss of Fibers," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(20), pages 1-13, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Sheng Lu, 2022. "Explore U.S. Retailers’ Sourcing Strategies for Clothing Made from Recycled Textile Materials," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-13, December.

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