Searching for innovative solutions to reduce textile waste

A satellite photo of a mountain of discarded clothes in Chile's Atacama Desert brought attention to the environmental impact of the fashion industry. Many manmade fibers, like polyester and nylon, do not biodegrade and can take decades or even hundreds of years to break down. However, the Biomimicry Institute is researching natural ways to decompose waste polyester and nylon using enzymes or bacteria. The institute's project, called Design for Decomposition, aims to repurpose clothing waste into biocompatible materials. This research not only addresses the waste problem but also lays the foundation for innovative new materials. The fashion industry's "fast fashion" model, known for producing cheap clothes that are quickly discarded, is contributing to enormous amounts of waste that largely end up in landfills. The industry is also responsible for high greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity loss. Companies like Lycra are looking for sustainable alternatives to polyester, such as using a fabric made from biodegradable corn. Additionally, other companies are exploring new textiles made from materials like mushroom mycelium and wood pulp. While these developments are promising, the fashion industry as a whole must improve its recycling efforts for a more circular textile loop to be effective.