Development of Sustainable Fashion Product in Portuguese Industry with Textile and Clothing Waste: A Case Study
摘要
The Portuguese textile and clothing industryTextile and clothing industry holds significant importance to the economy, with a production value of €7.1 billion, a turnover of €8.64 billion, €6.1 billion in exports, and 128.6 thousand direct employments in 2022. The growth in the last 10 years is significant and has resulted in increased textile wasteTextile waste. In addition, Europe generates approximately 8 million tons of post-consumer waste, most of which is incinerated or landfilled. In Portugal, the textile industryTextile industry is mainly focused in the northern region, and there is also a small cluster in the central region, dedicated to the production of high-quality wool and wool-blend textile products. According to the Portuguese Environment Agency and European sustainable strategies, transforming the sector through more ecological approaches and improved waste management practices is essential. In this study, different wool waste blends were used to produce textile yarns, and their properties were measured for developing sustainable fashionSustainable fashion products with market value, within the framework of the be@t—Bioeconomy at textiles project. This research highlights that the industries in Portugal are committed to sustainabilitySustainability through the adaptation of circular economyCircular economy principles. The textile industryTextile industry is turning discarded textiles and clothing waste into new and high-quality products that help to reduce environmental impactEnvironmental impact and conserve resources. This shift not only enhances the industry's competitiveness but also sets an example to produce fashion responsibly and supports an eco-friendly textile sector worldwide.