Textile waste management and its sustainability: a review

Modern consumers often discard usable clothing and it increases the environmental concern regarding textile waste. With increased awareness of the circular economy, textile waste is considered valuable resources. Reusing clothing is considered the most sustainable waste management approach, as it retains product value better than redesign or remanufacturing. Consequently, the second-hand market is expanding significantly. While mechanical recycling of plastic-to-textile and chemical recycling of natural fiber and cotton/polyester blended textiles are currently prevalent, textile-to-textile recycling is expected to increase to fulfill closed-loop system regardless of fiber type. However, due to technical limitations in recycling, textile waste ends up being disposed of through incineration and landfill. These methods can enable waste to serve as a substitute for fossil fuels. Textile exhibits a higher calorific value than other waste during combustion, and methane emitted from buried textile can be converted into renewable energy. Therefore, incineration and landfill without energy recovery merely pollute the environment, making them the least favorable waste management options. This study provides valuable insights into sustainable and practical strategies by delineating the advantages and limitations of current disposal methods in fashion and textile industry.