motivation

As one of the oldest and most important industries, the textile industry plays an important role in the development of sustainable industrial production methods. However, around 65% of all textiles on the market are currently of synthetic origin – global production of synthetic fibres has doubled between 2009 and 2021. The production of these fibres relies on enormous quantities of fossil resources as a raw material base and to provide the required process heat. In 2015, the textile industry consumed 98 Mt of crude oil and was therefore responsible for 2% of global CO2 emissions.  As demand for textiles continues to rise, the textile industry’s oil requirements are estimated at 300 Mt in 2050 – this would correspond to 26% of total CO2 emissions. Textiles also represent a major environmental problem. It is assumed that textiles will be responsible for 22 Mt of microplastics entering the oceans between 2015 and 2050. In addition, every European disposes of around 11kg of textiles every year. 73% of discarded clothing (~29.2 Mt/year) and 87% of textile fibres are currently either incinerated or sent to landfill. Large quantities of toxic chemicals are also used in the production of synthetic fibres, posing a risk to health and the environment.