Recycling and upcycling of synthetic textile fibres: Paving a new path of sustainability

Volume 1, Issue 1 (Jun-Aug 2025)

Authors: Abhijit Mukherjee and Raj Kumar

DOI: doi.org/10.64848/WJST.1.1.2025.17-27

Page No: 17-27

Keywords: Recycling textile waste, Technological advancement, Synthetic fibres, Biochemical recycling, Textile, Circular fashion, Biodegradable

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Abstract

The rapid speed of technological innovation and the fast development of quick fashion have deepened global environmental problems, especially because of the massive increase in waste from fashion. Among them, synthetic fibres—mainly made of oil-based polymers like polyester, nylon, and acrylic—are in the great majority. While inexpensive and durable, such fibres are responsible for an enormous contribution to environmental degradation since they cannot be decomposed biologically. This review considers developing methods of recycling and upcycling synthetic textile fibres involving mechanical, chemical, and biotechnological processes and evaluating their potential for a circular textile economy. Although mechanical recycling is practised, it causes fibre degradation over time. In contrast, chemical processes such as glycolysis and depolymerization provide high-purity products at the cost of high energy and financial inputs. However, biotechnological solutions, namely enzymatic recycling through fungal lipases and bacteria, offer an environment-friendly solution, although scalability and infrastructure are currently humongous setbacks. The convergence of digital technologies like AI, blockchain, and IoT has become a game-changing solution, enhancing sorting, traceability, and lifecycle management in textile supply chains. This review also addresses the role that supportive policy landscapes like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and the European Green Deal, a set of policy initiatives by the European Commission to make the EU’s economy sustainable, can play in encouraging companies to make changes and innovate approaches to managing waste. Also welcomed is the advent of biodegradable and bio-based synthetic fibres and hybrid blends created to allow for disassembly, which marks hopeful developments for reducing virgin material dependence. In total, recycling and upcycling of man-made fibres not only reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills but also present the potential for generating value-added products. This article highlights the importance of collaboration across sectors, public education, and technological breakthroughs to overcome the current constraints. By doing this, the textile industry can steer towards a sustainable, resilient, and environmentally conscious future.