Resource Recovery from High-Performance Textile Waste: Carbon Footprint Assessment, Graded Recycling, and Product Development Pathway for Used Firefighting Protective Clothing

TL;DR

This paper presents a sustainable recycling system for high-performance firefighting clothing to reduce waste and carbon emissions.

Contribution

A novel three-tier recycling model and integration of cultural heritage and digital passports for high-performance textiles.

Findings

Firefighting clothing has a carbon footprint of 89.03–102.29 kg CO2-eq per suit.

A three-tier recycling model achieves near 100% material recovery with low emissions.

Incorporating cultural heritage and digital passports increases market acceptance of recycled products.

Abstract

Filling the research gap in recycling high-performance aramid fibers from specialized waste streams.

First quantifies the full lifecycle carbon footprint of firefighting clothing (89.03–102.29 kg CO2-eq/suit).

A novel three-tier recycling model achieves near 100% material recovery with low processing emissions (4.6 kg CO2-eq/suit).

Integrating cultural heritage and digital passports enhances the market value and acceptance of recycled products.

Presents a scalable integrated system for the assessment, design, and traceability of high-performance textile recycling.

The global textile industry, challenged by resource depletion and environmental pollution, urgently requires a shift toward a circular economy. However, recycling efforts remain limited, focusing mainly on conventional fibers and neglecting high-performance materials like aramid. This study addresses the recycling of used firefighting protective clothing-an aramid-rich, high-turnover waste stream typically landfilled or incinerated. Life cycle assessment reveals the significant carbon footprint of its production and disposal, underscoring the need for circular strategies. A systematic recycling framework is established, integrating collection logistics and redesign principles. A graded “three-tier” approach is proposed, enabling direct reuse, yarn regeneration, and non-woven production based on material conditions. High-value products were developed by incorporating firefighting heritage and intangible cultural crafts into the design, supported by digital product passports for traceability. These strategies enhanced market acceptance and emotional value. The work provides a scalable circular solution for high-performance textiles, aiming to extend material life, reduce carbon emissions, and advance sustainable textile management through a novel combination of technical recycling and cultural value addition.

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