The textile industry is one of the largest polluters in the world. The production of raw materials, spinning them into fibres or yarns, weaving or knitting fabrics, dyeing, printing and finishing requires enormous water and chemicals, including pesticides for growing cellulosic fibres like cotton. Carbon dioxide emissions from these processes leave a significant carbon footprint. Consumers further contribute to environmental damage through water and chemicals used in washing and the release of microplastics. Less than half of the used clothes are collected for reuse or recycling, and only 1% is recycled into new garments, leading to excessive textile waste. A sustainable future requires alternatives to tackle these problems. Nanotechnology, the production of materials at the nanoscale (1–100 nm or 10–9 m), offers innovative solutions for sustainability in fashion. It enhances fabric properties, improves durability and reduces environmental impact. Nanocoating using zinc oxide and titanium oxide provides UV protection against microbial properties and self-cleaning abilities, reducing the need for excessive chemical treatments. Recent advancements include nano-enhanced biodegradable fibres, waterless dyeing techniques and moisture-wicking smart textiles contributing to resource efficiency and circular fashion. Nano-cellulose-based textiles replace synthetic fibres with biodegradable materials, reducing dependency on petroleum-based materials. Western Europe was the largest market for nanotech clothing in 2021. The global nanotechnology market was valued at $3.69 billion in 2022. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of 33. 1% from 2023 to 2030 (Grand View Research, Nanotechnology market size, share & trends analysis report [Online] https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/nanotechnology-market-report . Accessed on 23rd May 2025, 2023). The expanding use of nanotechnology in apparel in developing countries is fueling its rapid growth and future potential. This chapter will discuss the nanomaterials usage in textiles, energy-efficient nano manufacturing processes, different nano finishes, scalability challenges and the future of nanotechnology in aiding sustainable fashion. As the industry moves towards a responsible approach, nanotechnology helps in a transformative path to sustainable fashion.

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Revolutionising Sustainable Fashion: The Role of Nanotechnology

  • R. Surjit,
  • J. G. Haritha,
  • G. Tejaswini

摘要

The textile industry is one of the largest polluters in the world. The production of raw materials, spinning them into fibres or yarns, weaving or knitting fabrics, dyeing, printing and finishing requires enormous water and chemicals, including pesticides for growing cellulosic fibres like cotton. Carbon dioxide emissions from these processes leave a significant carbon footprint. Consumers further contribute to environmental damage through water and chemicals used in washing and the release of microplastics. Less than half of the used clothes are collected for reuse or recycling, and only 1% is recycled into new garments, leading to excessive textile waste. A sustainable future requires alternatives to tackle these problems. Nanotechnology, the production of materials at the nanoscale (1–100 nm or 10–9 m), offers innovative solutions for sustainability in fashion. It enhances fabric properties, improves durability and reduces environmental impact. Nanocoating using zinc oxide and titanium oxide provides UV protection against microbial properties and self-cleaning abilities, reducing the need for excessive chemical treatments. Recent advancements include nano-enhanced biodegradable fibres, waterless dyeing techniques and moisture-wicking smart textiles contributing to resource efficiency and circular fashion. Nano-cellulose-based textiles replace synthetic fibres with biodegradable materials, reducing dependency on petroleum-based materials. Western Europe was the largest market for nanotech clothing in 2021. The global nanotechnology market was valued at $3.69 billion in 2022. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of 33. 1% from 2023 to 2030 (Grand View Research, Nanotechnology market size, share & trends analysis report [Online] https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/nanotechnology-market-report . Accessed on 23rd May 2025, 2023). The expanding use of nanotechnology in apparel in developing countries is fueling its rapid growth and future potential. This chapter will discuss the nanomaterials usage in textiles, energy-efficient nano manufacturing processes, different nano finishes, scalability challenges and the future of nanotechnology in aiding sustainable fashion. As the industry moves towards a responsible approach, nanotechnology helps in a transformative path to sustainable fashion.