A systematic review of biodegradable materials in the textile and apparel industry

Abstract

With the popularity of fast fashion and consumer addiction, the pollution problem in the textile and apparel industry has become increasingly serious. In order to alleviate this problem, researchers have developed various biodegradable materials for textiles and apparel. However, the current research mainly focuses on the properties of a single material, ignoring the practical application and development trend of biodegradable materials in the textile and apparel industry. In this paper, a systematic review of biodegradable materials has been conducted to understand better the current status of their research and application in the textile and apparel industry. Firstly, we visualize and analyze the literature related to biodegradable clothing materials through VOS Viewer to grasp the hot spots and trends of research; secondly, we classify biodegradable clothing materials and summarize the current situation of existing biodegradable materials in textile and apparel applications; and finally, we analyze and summarize the future research and development trend of biodegradable clothing materials. This review helps researchers grasp the research trend of biodegradable materials in the textile and apparel industry and provides a reference for future research and innovation of biodegradable materials for apparel applications.

Keywords:

• Biodegradable materials
• clothing
• sustainability

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, China Association for Science and Technology Youth Support Talent Project, and Hong Kong Polytechnic University GBA Startup Postdoc Programme 2022.