Title : Circular solutions for textile sustainability: Water and resource conservation
Abstract:
The convergence of climate change and global population growth poses an escalating threat to the availability of critical resources, notably water and garments. Traditionally, the textile industry has adhered to a linear production model, extracting raw materials, transforming them, and introducing the refined products into the market. However, this approach yields substantial waste, often inefficiently recycled and consequently deposited into landfills, resulting in profound environmental ramifications. Consequently, a concerted effort has emerged to propel the textile sector towards a circular, zero-waste economy.
This presentation focuses on two pivotal domains within this transformative journey. Firstly, it addresses the treatment of wastewaters through the synthesis and exploration of novel solvents. These solvents, particularly Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs), exhibit remarkable efficacy in purifying textile wastewaters, particularly in the removal of dyes. Significantly, their production from sustainable sources underscores their commitment to minimizing environmental impact.
Secondly, the discussion delves into the critical topic of fiber recycling, with a specific emphasis on cotton. Developed nations such as the USA and the UK collectively generate substantial volumes of cotton waste, underscoring the urgency for advanced recycling methodologies. Despite their relatively higher recycling rates, averaging around 20% [1], the demand persists for sustainable techniques that efficiently extract dyes from cotton. This presentation underscores the pressing need for innovative solutions and sustainable methods in addressing the ecological footprint of the textile industry.
