Closed-loop system for the textile industry based on regenerated cellulose aerogel from waste textiles: A review

The rapid growth of the textile industry has resulted in the generation of substantial waste, predominantly managed through incineration or landfilling, leading to significant resource loss and environmental pollution. Additionally, the production process contributes to wastewater, air emissions, noise pollution, and high energy consumption, further constraining the industry's transition toward sustainability. As a result, resource depletion and environmental challenges have emerged as major obstacles to the textile sector's sustainable development. While prior studies have explored technologies such as textile recycling and improved factory management, effective strategies for the high-value utilization of waste textiles and their integration into closed-loop systems remain underdeveloped. This review systematically examines an innovative approach to enhancing the value of cellulose-rich waste textiles by transforming them into cellulose aerogels. Key preparation processes involved in producing cellulose aerogels from waste textiles are summarized, with an emphasis on their critical advantages in applications, including exhaust gas and wastewater adsorption, sound absorption, thermal insulation, and flame retardancy. Based on these findings, a closed-loop system is proposed, which involves converting cellulose-rich waste textiles into cellulose aerogels and subsequently reusing them in textile production. This approach outlines a clear pathway from raw material processing to final utilization. The review highlights upcycling waste textiles into cellulose aerogels as a promising strategy for high-value utilization and advancing a circular economy. Lastly, to address challenges in scaling this technology from laboratory to industrial applications, the study outlines targeted solutions, providing both theoretical and practical insights to drive the circular development of the textile industry.