(2023) Science of the Total Environment_Upcycling textile waste using pyrolysis process

Lee H.S., Jung S., Lin K.-Y.A., Kwon E.E., Lee J.

(Elsevier B.V.) Science of the Total Environment Vol. 859 Article No. 160393 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160393

Rapidly changing fashion trends have generated tremendous amounts of textile waste globally. Textile waste is composed of a variety of substances (natural, synthetic, organic, and inorganic fibers). The inhomogeneity and complex nature of textile waste makes recycling economically challenging. Pyrolysis is a thermochemical process that transforms waste feedstocks of an inhomogeneous and complex nature into value added products (i.e., waste upcycling). This article provides a systematic review of the currently available and investigated pyrolysis processes to upcycle textile waste (e.g., material and energy recovery). The challenges in the pyrolysis process of textile waste are discussed, and relevant future research needs are recommended. Despite these challenges, pyrolysis will be an effective end-of-life option for textile waste if continuous research and development activities are conducted. © 2022 Elsevier B.V.

This study was supported by a National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korean government (MSIT) (No. 2021R1A4A1031357 ). This work was also financially supported by Korea Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) as Innovative Talent Education Program for Smart City.