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Textile Technologies in Sustainable Development, Production and Environmental Protection

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 December 2024) | Viewed by 26713

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Slavenka Petrak

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Guest Editor

Department of Clothing Technology, Faculty of Textile Technology, University of Zagreb, Prilaz baruna Filipovića 28a, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Interests: digital technologies in the context of sustainable fashion design and apparel; CAD/CAM in clothing engineering; 3D digital fashion; 3D body scanning; 2D/3D sustainable functional apparel development

Prof. Dr. Martinia Ira Glogar

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Guest Editor

Department of Textile Chemistry and Ecology, Faculty of Textile Technology, University of Zagreb, Savska cesta 16/9, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Interests: textile printing; digital InkJet printing (sustainability of green printing technologies); conventional analogue printing; colour theory; colour science; colour metrics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The textile industry is one of the most important manufacturing industries in the world, generating a significant share of the economy on a global scale. However, it is also an industry that needs to focus in the coming period on policies, strategies, innovative development and production concepts and processes that will contribute to positive changes related to sustainable production and consumption and the reduction in negative impacts on the environment. The processes of globalization, which have led to a significant increase in the production of competitively priced textile and fashion products, and the focus on the development of technologies that contribute to efficiency, have led to a significant increase in the consumption of textile and fashion products at the global level. As a result, extremely large amounts of textile waste are generated, energy consumption is very high, and the environment is significantly impacted. The problem of proper disposal and recycling of textile waste is just one of the current and very important issues in the shift towards sustainable textile management. Current scientific research in the field of textile technologies is focused on the search for new methods and processes, as well as raw materials, materials and different types of processing in the development of advanced, multifunctional textile and fashion products that could contribute to the gradual transformation of the entire field of textile technology towards a sustainable system aimed at developing innovative value-added products that are safe for the health of the end user and can be recycled at the end of their life.

The Special Issue of the Sustainability journal, entitled Textile Technologies in Sustainable Development, Production and Environmental Protection, aims to bring together and disseminate within the research community and the wider public scientific research papers and reviews that are the result of current research in innovative textile technologies based on approaches and concepts that contribute to sustainability.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but not limited to) the following:

Cotton and the environment
Sustainable textile materials
Sustainable raw materials
Sustainable technical textiles
Sustainable multifunctional and advanced textile materials
Biodegradable textile products and the assessment of biodegradability
Testing and development of textile eco-products
Sustainability in the processes of textile refinement and care
Sustainable, eco-friendly textile products and processes
Sustainable textile manufacturing
Environmental protection and sustainability in the textile and clothing industry
Development of sustainable methods of textile industry wastewater treatment
Perspective and development of smart sustainable textiles
Digital technologies, sustainable design and clothing development
Sustainable developments and innovations in the clothing sector
Sustainable smart and intelligent clothing
Environmental sustainability through textile recycling
Clean technology and their applications to textiles and clothing sector
Waste management in textile industry
Sustainable and eco design strategies in textiles and clothing supply chain

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Slavenka Petrak
Prof. Dr. Martinia Ira Glogar
Guest Editors

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Keywords

sustainable fibres and textiles
biodegradable and advanced textile materials
sustainability in testing, finishing and texcare processes
sustainable design and digital development
sustainable production
eco-friendly textile products
smart and intelligent sustainable textile and clothing
environment protection
sustainability standards in the textile industry
recycling
sustainability and wastewater treatment
energy sustainability in the textile and apparel industry

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Published Papers (14 papers)

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18 pages, 3083 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The TAXI Method: Reducing Fabric Waste with Recognizable Silhouettes in Sustainable Women’s Clothing

by Franka Karin, Blaženka Brlobašić Šajatović and Irena Šabarić Škugor

Sustainability 2025, 17(2), 698; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17020698 - 17 Jan 2025

Viewed by 451

Abstract

The problem of textile waste generated in production processes poses new challenges for manufacturers. For this reason, an approach to clothing design has been developed that takes into account aspects of sustainable development and the zero-waste concept. The paper presents the development of “T” and “X” silhouettes for women’s dresses according to the proposed new method. The existing basic cuts of women’s dresses were modeled to obtain “T” and “X” basic silhouettes for women’s dresses, and we compare the reduction in losses between the cuts using the newly proposed TAXI method and the TAXI method according to the proposed design. The use of pattern losses based on the pattern of the basic dress cut provides innovative design solutions according to the TAXI method by applying structural elements that adjust the shape of the basic silhouettes of women’s dresses. Fabric utilization using the basic “T” silhouette cut model is reduced to 75%. The TAXI method improves fabric utilization, achieving 75% fabric use with the basic “T” silhouettes and up to 99.8% with modifications. The fabric utilization of the basic “X” silhouette according to the proposed TAXI design method is 99.8%, which is 32.5% higher than the fabric utilization according to the basic pattern. With this comprehensive concept based on the principles of sustainability, the proposed TAXI design method has been adapted for the maximum possible fabric utilization, esthetic quality and fit, while retaining the recognizable silhouette of the garment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Textile Technologies in Sustainable Development, Production and Environmental Protection)

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23 pages, 9684 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Sovereign and Interoperable Data Ecosystem for an Eco-Efficient Nonwovens Industry

by Florian Pohlmeyer, Christian Möbitz and Thomas Gries

Sustainability 2024, 16(23), 10735; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162310735 - 6 Dec 2024

Viewed by 1022

Abstract

This study addresses the need for enhanced sustainability in the nonwovens industry by developing a data ecosystem that improves data transparency, interoperability, and decision-making across the value chain. The research focuses on two conceptual models, including the Digital Product Passport (DPP) for tracking sustainability information and a holistic data management system for production environments. The research involved identifying key stakeholders, their tasks, and challenges related to sustainability and applying digital tools to meet these needs. The results demonstrate that integrating these data-space use cases can significantly enhance the availability and verifiability of sustainability data, aligning with European Union objectives such as those in the Gaia-X initiative. However, the proposed concepts have not yet been validated in real-world settings, highlighting the need for further research to assess their effectiveness and scalability. These findings suggest that digital ecosystems have the potential to drive sustainable transformation and foster collaboration in the nonwovens sector, offering a pathway towards more circular and resource-efficient practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Textile Technologies in Sustainable Development, Production and Environmental Protection)

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26 pages, 18514 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using Digital Technology for the Sustainable Preservation of Clothing Heritage: A Virtual Reconstruction of the 1848/49 Uniform

by Andreja Rudolf, Barbara Pučko, Maja Hren Brvar and Katarina Remic

Sustainability 2024, 16(17), 7757; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16177757 - 6 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1372

Abstract

This work deals with the sustainable reconstruction of the uniform of the National Guard of Maribor from 1848/49 with the aim of developing the pattern design of the jacket and trousers of which it consists of and making a virtual replica of it. The original uniform of the Maribor National Guard, which can no longer be restored and/or conserved, is kept in the Maribor Regional Museum, Slovenia. The reconstruction of the pattern design of the jacket and trousers was based on historical sources, analyses, measurements and the decomposition of the uniform. The virtual reconstruction of the uniform pattern design was carried out using the Optitex PDS 3D V11 programme. The construction proportions of the uniform’s basic pattern design were analysed to determine the basic body dimensions of the wearer of the jacket and trousers and to create 3D body models of the wearers using the standard 3D body model of the software used. This made it possible to create an accurate “3D body model–clothing” system that realistically represents the virtual replica of the uniform. The results of this research help to preserve, understand and explore the cultural heritage of clothing in a sustainable way and make it accessible to the public. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Textile Technologies in Sustainable Development, Production and Environmental Protection)

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15 pages, 4057 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Natural Dyeing and Antimicrobial Functionalization of Wool Fabrics Dyed with Chinese Dragon Fruit Extract to Enhance Sustainable Textiles

by Mohmadarslan Kutubuddin Sadannavar, Aravin Periyasamy, Syed Rashedul Islam, Faizan Shafiq, Xue Dong and Tao Zhao

Sustainability 2024, 16(16), 6832; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16166832 - 9 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2103

Abstract

Recently, the natural dyeing process has achieved great importance in the textile wet processing industry due to its clean dyeing, eco-friendliness, and nontoxicity in nature. In the above research project, a unique natural dye extracted from dragon fruit was applied to wool fabric using various mordanting agents to encourage the use of natural dyes and lessen the negative environmental effects caused by synthetic dyeing. The color characteristics (K/S), fastness properties, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), absorption spectra, and thermal and ultraviolet (UV) resistance of the extracted dye and dyed wool samples were tested and characterized. The K/S values of the dyed wool fabrics were between 5.75 and 13.29. The color fastness ratings obtained from the dyed wool fabric were found to be between good and excellent. Hence, the overall results proved that the novel natural dye obtained from dragon fruit can be utilized for dyeing wool material for the production of eco-friendly and sustainable antimicrobial textiles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Textile Technologies in Sustainable Development, Production and Environmental Protection)

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24 pages, 1906 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Approaching Environmental Sustainability through Energy Optimization in Polyisoprene Production

by Alka Mihelić-Bogdanić and Ivana Špelić

Sustainability 2024, 16(14), 6224; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16146224 - 20 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1068

Abstract

The global energy crisis, forced by fossil fuel shortages and supply chain disruption, stimulates EU policymakers to find alternative energy replacement. Modifying the present polyisoprene footwear production plant into a hybrid system by combining different energy sources raises energy efficiency. The proposed hybrid system incorporates classical and solar-based technology, resulting in energy optimization by utilizing waste heat recovery. By installing an economizer for feeding water preheating using flue gas recovery, it results in the volume of the flue gases lowering from

v_{{FG}_{P}} = 1.7969 {m^{3}}_{FG} / {kg}_{P}

v_{{FG}_{{ECO}_{P}}} = 1.597 {m^{3}}_{FG} / {kg}_{P}

, or by 11.13%, while the flue gases’ temperature is lowered from 204 °C (477.15 K) to 50.99 °C (324.14 K). Further improvement in combining feed water and air preheating results in natural gas savings of 12.05%, while the flue gases’ exhaust temperature is decreased to 30.44 °C (303.59 K). The third option, using condensate heat recovery and feeding water preheating using flue gases, showed natural gas savings as much as 17.41% and exhaust flue gases cooling to 112.49 °C (385.64 K). The combination of condensate heat recovery, combustion air and feed water preheating results in the volume of the flue gases being lowered by 20.42% and natural gas savings by 20.24%, while the flue gases’ temperature is reduced to 45.11 °C (318.26 K). The proposed solar application in polyisoprene production predicts the hybrid system showing fuel savings ranging from 77.96% to 87.08% in comparison to the basic process. The greatest fuel savings of 87.08% is shown in a solarized polyisoprene footwear production plant with combustion air and feed water preheating combined with the condensate return system. Integrating the solar heat into the regular industrial process of polyisoprene production showed great potential and showed environmental sustainability through energy optimization in polyisoprene production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Textile Technologies in Sustainable Development, Production and Environmental Protection)

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21 pages, 9369 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Conversion of Waste Agricultural Biomass from Straw into Useful Bioproducts—Wheat Fibers and Biofuels

by Zorana Kovačević, Sandra Bischof, Nikola Bilandžija and Tajana Krička

Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4739; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114739 - 2 Jun 2024

Viewed by 1549

Abstract

Straw, the primary agricultural waste, constitutes approximately 20% of the total biomass in the EU. Only a small fraction of the material is applied in various products, e.g., animal bedding, mulch, building, and composite materials, while a significantly larger portion is often burned in the field. This practice, while prohibited for several reasons, including the increased risk of fire and the release of carbon dioxide contributing to global warming, is still prevalent. Given the increasingly evident effects of climate change, EU legislation aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as much as possible. One of the strategies includes applying the cascade principle in the circular economy. This principle aims to use the entire raw material, in this case, cereal crops, such that the products with the highest added value, like cellulose fibers from cereal straw, are extracted first. The vast potential for utilizing lignocellulosic agro-waste sustainably arises from its status as the most abundant organic compound on Earth. Its significant presence, renewability, and biodegradability make it a desirable source for producing materials in numerous industries. This study examines the potential of wheat fibers, isolated from the straw of two distinct cultivars (Srpanjka represents an old variety, and Kraljica represents the new variety) primarily for application in technical textiles. The following testing methods were applied: determination of wheat fibers and residues yield, fibers tensile properties, length, moisture content/regain, density, morphology, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The yield of isolated fibers relies on the wheat variety and the climatic conditions affecting plant growth, resulting in fiber yields from 10.91% to 15.34%. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis indicates reduced peak intensity, which is related to hemicellulose and lignin content, suggesting their improved deposition following the process of chemical maceration. Wheat fiber quality was found to be comparable to cotton fibers regarding its density. However, they showed a significant difference in higher moisture regain (9.72–11.40%). The vast majority of the scientific papers related to wheat fibers did not indicate the length of the individual fibers obtained by chemical maceration nor their strength. Therefore, this paper indicated that both varieties demonstrated sufficient fiber tenacity (greater than 10 cN/tex) and fiber length (2–3 cm), stressing the spinning potential of these fibers into yarns and extending their use to the apparel industry. Moreover, our research underscores the feasibility of adhering to the zero-waste principle. A high percentage of solid waste remaining after fiber extraction (25.3–39.5%) was successfully used for biofuel production, thus closing the loop in the circular economy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Textile Technologies in Sustainable Development, Production and Environmental Protection)

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13 pages, 5796 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Contribution of Plant Transfer Printing to Sustainable Fashion

by Irena Šabarić, Ana Sutlović, Jana Filipčić and Franka Karin

Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4361; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114361 - 22 May 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2017

Abstract

Nowadays, there is a growing awareness of environmental protection, new findings in the field of sustainable chemistry, the use of biodegradable materials, and the increased use of eco-friendly textile products. For this reason, natural dyes are being used more and more frequently, giving rise to a new way of decorating textiles, namely, plant transfer printing, popularly known as “eco-printing”, in which the shape and/or pigment of a plant is transferred to the textile. In addition, the great interest of the young generation in the application and research into the use of natural dyes can create incentives for cultural and social sustainability through the preservation of national heritage. Plant transfer printing is a method that combines scientific technology and artistic design with corresponding benefits for the eco system. The very fact that the patterns are unique and unpredictable brings out the notion of artistic freedom. In the work, plant transfer printing was carried out on undyed cotton material and on material dyed with pomegranate peels, walnut leaves, coffee, and aleppo pine bark. The influence of the pH value and the capillarity of the fabric, as well as the treatment of the leaves with iron(II) sulphate heptahydrate solution, on the aesthetics of the print and the colour fastness during washing was investigated. Based on the optimised parameters and a sustainable fabric design, the clothing collection “Hamadryad”, inspired by Greek mythology, was realised. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Textile Technologies in Sustainable Development, Production and Environmental Protection)

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17 pages, 8881 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Mechanical Degradability of Biodegradable Polymer-Based Bags in Different Environments

by Martina Fileš, Anja Ludaš, Sanja Ercegović Ražić and Sandra Hudina

Sustainability 2024, 16(6), 2579; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16062579 - 21 Mar 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1756

Abstract

Biodegradable polymer-based bags were developed as an alternative to plastic. However, their degradation in environmental conditions has not been fully investigated and is often incomplete. Here, the decomposition of three types of biodegradable bags and one type of plastic bag in different types of environments was analyzed. Polymer bags were exposed for six weeks in water, soil, air and compost, while the control groups were stored in room conditions. All types of polymer bags were sampled twice (after 3 and 6 weeks), and different parameters of changes in physical–mechanical properties were measured. The research established significant differences in changes in mechanical properties between different types of biodegradable polymer bags, with ‘white’ and ‘brown’ bags showing the best decomposition potential. As expected, the largest change in the structure and physical–mechanical properties of all types of polymer bags was recorded in compost, and the smallest in air and water. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Textile Technologies in Sustainable Development, Production and Environmental Protection)

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15 pages, 48250 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainability-Oriented Surface Modification of Polyester Knitted Fabrics with Chitosan

by Tanja Pušić, Tea Bušac, Kristina Šimić, Mirjana Čurlin, Ana Šaravanja, Katia Grgić and Julija Volmajer Valh

Sustainability 2024, 16(3), 1121; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16031121 - 29 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1615

Abstract

The existing research deals with the process of modifying polyester knitted fabrics and polyester/cotton knitted fabrics with chitosan and the stability of functionalized surface with chitosan in the washing process according to a standard and an innovative washing procedure. The current research concept aims to evaluate the degree of progressivity and progressiveness: the modification of polyester knitted fabrics with chitosan and an innovative washing process. The polyester and polyester/cotton fabrics modified with chitosan were characterized by a staining test, microscopic analysis, zeta potential measurement, and pilling tendency of the knitted fabrics before and after five and ten washing cycles with reference detergent ECE A. The results of the zeta potential measurement of knitted fabrics functionalized with chitosan confirmed cationization of the polyester and polyester/cotton fabric with chitosan. The presence of chitosan on the washed knitted fabrics in reduced quantities is demonstrated by the staining test, the colour strength (K/S), and the zeta potential values. The staining test and surface charge of the tested knitted fabrics confirmed the research hypothesis regarding the degree of progressivity of the modification of polyester and polyester/cotton knitted fabrics with chitosan and the sustainability of the innovative washing process. The streaming potential proved to be a favorable method for monitoring the stability of chitosan in the washing process in combination with a staining test with the selected dye Remazol Red RB. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Textile Technologies in Sustainable Development, Production and Environmental Protection)

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22 pages, 8500 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Characterization of Sustainable Coatings on Cellulose Fabric and Nonwoven for Medical Applications

by Maja Somogyi Škoc, Nina Stevelić and Iva Rezić

Sustainability 2024, 16(2), 857; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16020857 - 19 Jan 2024

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1836

Abstract

The modification of cellulose woven fabrics and viscose nonwovens was carried out with the aim of preparing sustainable coatings from biodegradable natural polymers. The modification of fabrics with biodegradable natural polymers represents an ecological alternative to other textile modifications, such as the sol-gel process. Coatings were prepared from erythritol, gelatin, and collagen in various formulations with the addition of propolis and alginate fibers and a natural plasticizer (glycerin). The morphology of the materials was determined before and after modification with Dino-Lite. Moreover, the pH value, the drop test method, the angle recovery angle, the thickness, and the mass per unit area were monitored before and after modification. The results have shown that modifications had no significant effect on the thickness or mass per unit area. In contrast, in a larger proportion, they show hydrophilic properties, which favor their application for medical purposes—for example; for the absorption of exudates in wound dressings; etc. In addition, due to the neutral and slightly alkaline pH values of the modified samples, they can be suitable for external application on the skin. The results of the recovery angle of the modified samples proved that the samples did not tend to crease and that they retained their elasticity after modification with a very pleasant textile feel (fabric hand), making them even more suitable for everyday applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Textile Technologies in Sustainable Development, Production and Environmental Protection)

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14 pages, 4625 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Dyeing of Wool and Silk with Conocarpus erectus L. Leaf Extract for the Development of Functional Textiles

by Tayyaba Nadeem, Kashif Javed, Faiza Anwar, Mumtaz Hasan Malik and Asfandyar Khan

Sustainability 2024, 16(2), 811; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16020811 - 17 Jan 2024

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1910

Abstract

Natural dyes derived from plants offer a sustainable alternative to synthetic dyes for textile coloration. This study examined the extraction of natural dyes from Conocarpus erectus L. leaves and their application on wool and silk fabrics. Aqueous extraction in an alkaline medium was used to obtain dyes from raw leaves, which were then applied to pre-mordanted silk and wool fabrics by applying the ultrasonic-assisted exhaust dyeing method. The dyed fabrics were evaluated for color strength (K/S) and CIELAB color coordinates. The color fastness (washing, rubbing, and light), ultraviolet protection factor, mosquito repellency, and antibacterial activity were established using standard testing protocols. The surface morphologies of silk and wool were examined using scanning electron microscopy. Interestingly, the dyed fabrics displayed good color strength and color fastness properties. Moreover, the dyed wool samples revealed satisfactory antibacterial activity against Gram-negative (E. coli) and Gram-positive (S. aureus) in both qualitative and quantitative assessment methods, good ultraviolet protection in terms of UPF, and good mosquito repellency against Aedes aegypti. This study for the first time presented the application of a medicinal plant (Conocarpus erectus L.) in the field of textile dyeing and finishing. Hence, the use of Conocarpus erectus L. leaf dyes offers significant results on wool and silk fabrics and contributes to sustainable functional textile production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Textile Technologies in Sustainable Development, Production and Environmental Protection)

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15 pages, 3198 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Aspects of Multiple-Use Woven Fabric in the Hospital Environment: Comfort and Textile Dust Generation Perspectives

by Ana Palčić, Sandra Flinčec Grgac and Snježana Brnada

Sustainability 2023, 15(21), 15364; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152115364 - 27 Oct 2023

Viewed by 1154

Abstract

Textile dust released from hospital textiles is a considerable food source for pathogenic microorganisms and can lead to infections and illness in patients and medical staff. In addition, it often causes malfunctions in sophisticated medical equipment. The structural parameters of the fabric, such as the raw material composition, the thread density and the fabric weave, can influence the amount of dust produced. Friction between threads in a woven fabric plays a crucial role in dust generation, and friction is influenced by the surface structure of fibres, yarns and fabric. Understanding these factors can help in the development of fabrics with lower release of textile dust, which can reduce the risk of spreading infections in healthcare facilities. In this paper, the influence of the washing cycle on the change in morphological properties of fabrics in satin weave made of cotton–polyester blends was investigated. The study showed that as the number of maintenance washing cycles increases, the waviness, roughness and average amplitude of the surface roughness profile of the wove fabrics increases. Damage to the fibres during washing results in dust release, with synthetic fibres releasing less dust than cotton fibres. These results provide important information about the change in fabric properties during the washing process, which may be useful for further research and development of materials for use in a hospital environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Textile Technologies in Sustainable Development, Production and Environmental Protection)

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30 pages, 7339 KiB

Open AccessReview

Energy and Environmental Aspects of the Sustainability of Clothing Production

by Dubravko Rogale and Snježana Firšt Rogale

Sustainability 2024, 16(20), 9100; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16209100 - 21 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1540

Abstract

The textile and clothing industries are very often lumped together when it comes to the environmental aspect such that the negative connotation of the textile industry from an environmental aspect is automatically transferred to the clothing industry. However, the two industries should be considered separately, particularly with regard to the machinery used and energy consumption in the production process. The energy consumption of electricity, compressed air, vacuum, steam, and other energy sources in the clothing industry is low compared to other related industries. Furthermore, no carcinogenic and allergenic waste is generated during the production of clothing, which has a low carbon footprint, i.e., it practically does not pollute the air, soil, and water. The waste produced during cutting is clean and unused and is immediately recycled. All of this contributes to the sustainability of the clothing industry from the energy and environmental aspects. This article describes the cutting and joining techniques used in the manufacture of clothing, from the energy and environmental aspects as well as aspects of the weaves, the necessary machine elements and mechanisms, and the energy used in all joining techniques, from which the above claims and facts can be seen. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Textile Technologies in Sustainable Development, Production and Environmental Protection)

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27 pages, 1564 KiB

Open AccessReview

Approaches for Sampling and Sample Preparation for Microplastic Analysis in Laundry Effluents

by Branka Vojnović, Petra Mihovilović and Nino Dimitrov

Sustainability 2024, 16(8), 3401; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16083401 - 18 Apr 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2381

Abstract

The continuous growth in the production, unsustainable use, and disposal of plastics in recent decades has led to the emergence of a new type of pollutant, microplastics (MPs). In this article, the focus is on the form of MPs, which are produced by the fragmentation of textile fibres during washing processes. The problems associated with the characterisation and quantification of MPs in this type of sample are related to the wide range of concentrations, forms, and degree of degradation as well as physico-chemical and biological properties. Although the basic principles for the analysis of microplastics present in the environmental samples are known, there is the lack of standardised methods for the analysis of MPs in laundry effluents and domestic washing. Therefore, the continuous development of sophisticated analytical techniques and methodologies is required for the reliable collection and isolation, quantification, and characterisation of one of the most challenging analytes. The aim of this review is to outline the key steps of MPs analysis in laundry effluents and domestic washing, focusing on those steps that are underestimated in the current literature: sampling and sample preparation for analysis. Precisely these analytical steps, which can become the main source of analytical measurement system errors, ensure the quality of the analysis. This paper emphasises the importance of monitoring background contamination and presents guidelines to ensure quality control specifically for this type of analyte. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Textile Technologies in Sustainable Development, Production and Environmental Protection)

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