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The Circular Economy Approach to Dealing with Burdensome Waste from Poultry Industry

Author

Listed:
  • Piotr Kacorzyk

    (Department of Agroecology and Plant Production, Faculty of Agriculture and Economics, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Mickiewicza 21, 31-120 Krakow, Poland)

  • Jacek Strojny

    (Department of Statistics and Social Policy, Faculty of Agriculture and Economics, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Mickiewicza 21, 31-120 Krakow, Poland)

  • Michał Niewiadomski

    (Podhale Center for Economic Sciences, University of Applied Sciences in Nowy Targ, Kokoszków 71, 34-400 Nowy Targ, Poland)

  • Paulina Supel

    (Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Horticulture, University of Agriculture in Kraków, Al. Mickiewicza 21, 31-120 Krakow, Poland)

  • Paweł Kaszycki

    (Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Horticulture, University of Agriculture in Kraków, Al. Mickiewicza 21, 31-120 Krakow, Poland)

  • Ishrat-E-Anwar Brishty

    (Department of Soil Science and Agrophysics, Faculty of Agriculture and Economics, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Mickiewicza 21, 31-120 Krakow, Poland)

  • Agnieszka Józefowska

    (Department of Soil Science and Agrophysics, Faculty of Agriculture and Economics, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Mickiewicza 21, 31-120 Krakow, Poland)

  • Krystyna Wrześniewska-Tosik

    (ŁUKASIEWICZ Research Network—Lodz Institute of Technology, ul. Skłodowskiej-Curie 19/27, 90-570 Łódź, Poland)

  • Tomasz Kowalewski

    (ŁUKASIEWICZ Research Network—Lodz Institute of Technology, ul. Skłodowskiej-Curie 19/27, 90-570 Łódź, Poland)

  • Michalina Pałczyńska

    (ŁUKASIEWICZ Research Network—Lodz Institute of Technology, ul. Skłodowskiej-Curie 19/27, 90-570 Łódź, Poland)

  • Damian Walisiak

    (ŁUKASIEWICZ Research Network—Lodz Institute of Technology, ul. Skłodowskiej-Curie 19/27, 90-570 Łódź, Poland)

Abstract

This study applies the concept of the circular economy by using poultry feather waste to produce biodegradable geotextiles for environmental applications. The main goal was to assess their biodegradability, effect on soil properties, and usefulness in supporting plant growth. Three types of feather-based nonwoven fabrics were manufactured using a needle-punching method and tested under laboratory and field conditions over a 23-month period. Laboratory tests confirmed high biodegradability: Nonwoven I and III lost over 91% of their mass within 24 weeks. In field trials, plots covered with biodegradable geotextiles showed up to 266% more seedlings compared to bare soil, and plant height increased by 90% on average. The materials also improved soil moisture retention and supported microbial activity. After use, the nonwovens did not require removal and decomposed naturally, enriching the soil. The results demonstrate that feather-based geotextiles are a sustainable, effective, and locally available solution for soil protection and vegetation in difficult terrain.

Suggested Citation

  • Piotr Kacorzyk & Jacek Strojny & Michał Niewiadomski & Paulina Supel & Paweł Kaszycki & Ishrat-E-Anwar Brishty & Agnieszka Józefowska & Krystyna Wrześniewska-Tosik & Tomasz Kowalewski & Michalina Pałc, 2025. "The Circular Economy Approach to Dealing with Burdensome Waste from Poultry Industry," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-21, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:13:p:5997-:d:1690907
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Alan Murray & Keith Skene & Kathryn Haynes, 2017. "The Circular Economy: An Interdisciplinary Exploration of the Concept and Application in a Global Context," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 140(3), pages 369-380, February.
    2. Filip VAŠÁK & Jindřich ČERNÝ & Šárka BURÁŇOVÁ & Martin KULHÁNEK & Jiří BALÍK, 2015. "Soil pH changes in long-term field experiments with different fertilizing systems," Soil and Water Research, Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, vol. 10(1), pages 19-23.
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