Industrialization of open- and closed-loop waste textile recycling towards sustainability: A review

• Published in: Journal of cleaner production Vol. 436; p. 140676
• Main Authors: Huang, Xinxin, Tan, Yuhan, Huang, Jiwei, Zhu, Guangzhou, Yin, Rong, Tao, Xiaoming, Tian, Xiao
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 10.01.2024
• Subjects: Commercialization; Recycling modes; Recycling technologies; Waste textiles; Recycling technologies; Recycling modes; Waste textiles; Commercialization
• ISSN: 0959-6526; 1879-1786
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2024.140676

With the improvement of people's living standards, the consumption of textiles is significantly increasing. Waste textile recycling has been attracting more and more attention. So far, many studies have been conducted on waste recycling, mainly focusing on technological advancement, life cycle assessment, socioeconomic impact, etc. However, there is a noticeable gap in the literatures regarding a comprehensive summary and analysis of the current industrialization of waste textile and apparel recycling. In this review, the global status of waste textiles and their recycling is introduced. Moreover, the classic recycling modes of open- and closed-loop processes are employed to delineate the up-to-date industrialization of waste textile recycling. Compared with other recycling technologies, mechanical recycling stands out as the most scalable and versatile technique within the textile and apparel industry. Although the closed-loop recycling achieves a higher degree of recycling for waste textile materials, the current industrial scale of closed-loop recycling is smaller than that of open-loop recycling. Accordingly, commercialized recycling routes are summarized and described. Finally, the challenges and prospects of waste textile recycling industrialization are proposed, emphasizing the development of efficient recycling technologies with low consumption and collaboration among industry, government, and the public, in line with the principles of sustainability. •The commercialization status of waste textile recycling is summarized.•The latest industrialization cases of waste textile recycling are presented.•The scale of closed-loop recycling is smaller than that of open-loop recycling.•The recycling market currently holds a relatively small share.