Every year, a large amount of textile waste is generated worldwide. Only a small portion of it is recycled. Scientists from the University of Tartu have found a new way to use old cotton clothing.
The scientists utilized old cotton garments. They transformed them into a new material. This material can be used for insulation or packaging.
Cotton consists of cellulose. Cellulose is a strong and natural material. It decomposes in nature. The scientists aim to use it more extensively.
Clothing is often made of mixed materials. Scientists need to separate natural and synthetic fibers. They use special liquids for this purpose.
The dissolved cellulose can be chemically modified. For example, it can be turned into a water-repellent material. Such material can be used in construction or packaging.
This new material can replace polystyrene foam. Polystyrene foam is harmful to the environment. It does not decompose and remains in nature for a long time. The new material decomposes naturally.
Scientists are now testing how quickly this material decomposes. They are studying whether it decomposes in soil and water. They want their method to find widespread use.
The research team published their results in a journal. The journal is called Circular Economy and Sustainability.