Textile and Apparel Science

Non-Biodegradable Plastic Bag Waste into Upcycled Non-Woven Textiles: Their Viability for Wearable Products

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Abstract

This experimental study aimed to explore the viability of upcycled non-woven textiles made of non-biodegradable plastic bag waste for the wearable product development. This study consisted of two phases: the development of upcycled non-woven textiles (PE) using heat-fusing technique and the evaluation of their durability (e.g., tensile strength and seam strength) in comparison to non-woven textiles (EVA) commonly used for raincoat. According to the findings, upcycled non-woven textiles (PE) demonstrate stronger tensile strength, and their stitched seam strength outperforms that of the control (EVA), while they present the comparable welded seam strength to that of the control. The findings showcase the potential to use upcycled non-woven textiles as an alternative to EVA-based textiles commonly used for raincoat. Moreover, this study provides further insights for textiles and apparel developers and manufactures to use this upcycled material while developing raincoat, which well aligns with the environmental sustainability movement worldwide. 

Keywords: non-biodegradable plastic waste, upcycled non-woven textiles, heat-fusing, tensile strength, seam strength

How to Cite:

Yoo, H., Kabir, S. & Lee, Y., (2025) “Non-Biodegradable Plastic Bag Waste into Upcycled Non-Woven Textiles: Their Viability for Wearable Products”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 81(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.18611