Advances in Recycling and Reuse Technologies for Textile Fiber Material Products

Global industrialization and rising living standards have driven widespread adoption of fiber materials. However, the rapid growth of the textile industry has also caused substantial resource depletion and environmental pollution. Each year, over 92 million tons of textile waste are generated worldwide, most of which is landfilled or incinerated, while only a small proportion is recycled. This paper systematically reviews the latest advancements in the recycling and reuse of fiber-based products, focusing on mechanical, chemical, and biological recycling technologies and the reapplication of recycled fibers. Mechanical recycling is a mature and cost-effective process, but it results in reduced fiber quality. Chemical recycling can produce high-purity raw materials, yielding regenerated fibers with properties close to virgin fibers, but the process is complex and energy-intensive. Biological recycling operates under mild conditions with low energy consumption but is limited by low efficiency and long reaction times. This paper also explores the applications of recycled fibers in regenerated apparel, automotive textiles, construction materials, medical supplies, and eco-friendly filtration materials. Fiber recycling technologies should advance toward greener, more innovative, and circular economy-oriented approaches. Technological innovation, industrial collaboration, and policy guidance can significantly enhance the resource utilization of textile waste.