Textile and Apparel Science

Product Development from End-of-Use Cotton Textiles to Reclaim Value from Waste

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Abstract

The purpose of this research was to reclaim the value of end-of-use cotton apparel products by developing textile fabrics and products using the fabrics from end-of-use apparel. The researchers collected used cotton apparel products that cannot be sold in Goodwill stores, used a limited amount of other cotton textile waste and a very small amount of new cotton textiles in the textile development. Nonwoven, woven, quilted, and loop tufting fabrics were developed from end-of-use cotton garments and other textile materials. A selected fabric samples made from cotton waste were tested for thickness, thermal resistance, stiffness/softness, and air permeability. A variety of products, including a cellphone case, decorative textile, a tote bag, a makeup bag, a handbag, a backpack, a hat, and a jacket, were designed and developed. This research provided viable methods to reclaim the value of end-of-use cotton apparel products.

Keywords: Cotton, Waste, Product, Sustainability

How to Cite:

Cao, H., Cobb, K., Yatvitskiy, M., Wolfe, M. & Shen, H., (2022) “Product Development from End-of-Use Cotton Textiles to Reclaim Value from Waste”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 79(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.15763