Development of Home Textile Products from Post-Consumer Textile Waste

With the growing concern over textile waste and its environmental impact, sustainable approaches for fabric reuse are urgently needed.

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Abstract: Post-consumer textile waste, which includes discarded clothing and household fabrics, poses significant challenges for the textile industry. This paper explores strategies to transform such waste into functional home textile products, including curtains, cushions, rugs, and other décor items. Recycling involves breaking down used fabrics into fibres for re-spinning or creating nonwoven materials, while upcycling emphasises creative reuse, converting waste into functional and visually appealing products without intensive processing.

Repurposing textiles offers dual benefits: mitigating environmental damage, such as landfill accumulation and resource depletion, and supporting economic opportunities through sustainable production and green entrepreneurship. Furthermore, consumer awareness, innovative design, and supportive policies play a crucial role in promoting sustainable home textile production. By addressing post-consumer textile waste through recycling and upcycling, the textile industry can contribute to environmental preservation and foster circular economy practices.

Keywords: Recycling, Upcycling, Home Textiles, Sustainability, Environment

1. Introduction

Textile waste is a major contributor to global waste streams, with millions of tons of clothing and fabric ending up in landfills annually (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2017; BBC News, 2023). Post-consumer textile waste—including used apparel, home textiles, and upholstery—presents a challenge for sustainable management, as improper disposal causes environmental pollution and depletes natural resources (United Nations Environment Programme, 2020). One solution is repurposing these materials into home textiles, thereby reducing landfill waste and supporting a circular economy (Textile Exchange, 2023; Fashion Revolution, 2023).