Sustainability and Social Responsibility

Development and Research of Sustainable Mulch Mats from End-of-Use Cotton Textiles

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Abstract

The purpose of this research is to use end-of-use cotton textile products to develop biodegradable mulch mats that have potential benefits than synthetic mulch mats. The researchers collected used cotton apparel products from Goodwill, shredded them, and developed needle punched nonwoven fabrics using a Feltloom. For comparison, three commercial weed control fabrics, i.e., 100% polypropylene dual layers fabric, 100% natural burlap fabric, and 100% polyethylene plastic sheet, were acquired. The researchers measured thickness, thermal resistance (Rct), and air permeability of the samples. The researchers tested the weed control in a vegetable farm and the biodegradation of the mulch mats in a greenhouse. The results of this research indicate that nonwoven textile made from end-of-use cotton apparel can be used as biodegradable mulch mats to control weeds. This research provides a sustainable solution of the solid textile waste problem that can complete a circular nutrient flow to benefit agriculture. 

Keywords: agrotextile, weed control, biodegradation, sustainability, circularity

How to Cite:

Cao, H., Ludwig, K., Cobb, K., Scott, C., Jin, Y., Knight, B., Burrichter, M. & Shen, H., (2024) “Development and Research of Sustainable Mulch Mats from End-of-Use Cotton Textiles”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 80(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.17158