Waste Valorization and Circular Textile Design
Expert-defined terms from the Masterclass Certificate in Biomaterials for Green Textiles course at London School of Planning and Management. Free to read, free to share, paired with a professional course.
Aerodynamic Textiles #
Aerodynamic textiles refer to high performance fabrics designed to reduce air resistance and improve aerodynamics in various applications, including sportswear and outdoor gear. Related terms include wind resistance, drag reduction, and textile engineering. Aerodynamic textiles are created using advanced materials and technologies, such as lightweight membranes and water repellent coatings, to minimize air resistance and enhance performance in various conditions.
Anaerobic Digestion #
Anaerobic digestion is a process that involves the breakdown of organic matter in the absence of oxygen to produce biogas and nutrient-rich fertilizers. Related terms include biomass, waste management, and renewable energy. Anaerobic digestion is used to treat organic waste and produce biogas, which can be used as a renewable energy source, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable waste management practices.
Biodegradable Materials #
Biodegradable materials are natural or synthetic materials that can be broken down by microorganisms, reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainability. Related terms include composting, recycling, and waste reduction. Biodegradable materials, such as bioplastics and natural fibers, are designed to replace traditional materials and reduce waste in landfills and oceans.
Biomass #
Biomass refers to organic matter from plants, animals, or microorganisms that can be used as a renewable energy source. Related terms include bioenergy, biofuels, and waste-to-energy. Biomass can be converted into various forms of energy, including heat, electricity, and biofuels, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and promoting sustainable energy production.
Carbon Footprint #
Carbon footprint refers to the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions associated with a product, process, or activity. Related terms include climate change, sustainability, and environmental impact. Carbon footprint analysis is used to assess the environmental impact of textile production, from cotton farming to garment manufacturing, and identify opportunities for reduction and mitigation.
Circular Business Models #
Circular business models are design approaches that promote the reuse and recycling of products and materials, reducing waste and promoting sustainability. Related terms include sharing economy, product-as-a-service, and closed-loop production. Circular business models, such as clothing rental services and product take-back programs, are being adopted by textile companies to reduce waste and promote sustainable consumption.
Circular Economy #
Circular economy refers to a regenerative system in which materials and resources are kept in use for as long as possible, reducing waste and promoting sustainability. Related terms include waste reduction, recycling, and reuse. Circular economy principles are being applied to the textile industry to reduce waste and promote sustainable production and consumption practices.
Closed #
Loop Production: Closed-loop production refers to a circular system in which materials and products are designed to be recycled and reused, reducing waste and promoting sustainability. Related terms include circular economy, recycling, and waste reduction. Closed-loop production involves designing products and systems that are restorative and regenerative by design, reducing the continuous demand for new resources and promoting sustainable consumption.
Composting #
Composting refers to the natural process of decomposing organic matter into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. Related terms include organic waste, recycling, and sustainable agriculture. Composting is used to treat food waste and other organic materials, reducing waste and promoting sustainable agriculture practices.
Cradle #
to-Cradle Design: Cradle-to-cradle design refers to a sustainable design approach that promotes the reuse and recycling of materials, reducing waste and promoting environmental stewardship. Related terms include circular economy, closed-loop production, and regenerative design. Cradle-to-cradle design involves designing products and systems that are safe for the environment and promote sustainable consumption practices.
Eco #
Friendly Materials: Eco-friendly materials refer to natural or synthetic materials that are designed to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainability. Related terms include biodegradable materials, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture. Eco-friendly materials, such as organic cotton and recycled polyester, are used to reduce waste and promote sustainable textile production practices.
Environmental Impact Assessment #
Environmental impact assessment refers to the process of evaluating the potential environmental effects of a project or activity. Related terms include sustainability, environmental management, and risk assessment. Environmental impact assessment is used to identify potential environmental risks and mitigation strategies, promoting sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
Green Chemistry #
Green chemistry refers to the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use of hazardous substances, promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. Related terms include sustainable materials, renewable energy, and environmental stewardship. Green chemistry principles are being applied to the textile industry to reduce waste and promote sustainable production practices.
Life Cycle Assessment #
Life cycle assessment refers to the process of evaluating the environmental impact of a product or system throughout its entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal or recycling. Related terms include sustainability, environmental management, and risk assessment. Life cycle assessment is used to identify areas for improvement and promote sustainable production and consumption practices.
Microplastics #
Microplastics refer to small plastic particles that are less than 5 millimeters in size and can be found in water and soil environments. Related terms include plastic pollution, marine debris, and environmental impact. Microplastics are used in personal care products and textiles, and can enter the environment through wastewater and litter, harming aquatic life and promoting environmental degradation.
Natural Dyes #
Natural dyes refer to plant-based or animal-based dyes that are used to color textiles and other materials, promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. Related terms include sustainable materials, eco-friendly materials, and green chemistry. Natural dyes, such as indigo and madder, are used to reduce the environmental impact of textile production and promote sustainable consumption practices.
Organic Farming #
Organic farming refers to a sustainable agricultural practice that promotes the use of natural methods and materials to control pests and diseases, reducing the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Related terms include sustainable agriculture, eco-friendly materials, and environmental stewardship. Organic farming is used to promote sustainable agriculture practices and reduce the environmental impact of textile production.
Recycling #
Recycling refers to the process of collecting and processing materials to produce new products, reducing waste and promoting sustainable consumption practices. Related terms include waste reduction, reuse, and closed-loop production. Recycling is used to treat textile waste and produce new products, such as recycled polyester and upcycled clothing.
Renewable Energy #
Renewable energy refers to natural energy sources, such as solar and wind power, that can be used to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and promote sustainable energy production. Related terms include sustainable materials, eco-friendly materials, and green chemistry. Renewable energy is used to power textile production and reduce the environmental impact of the industry.
Sustainable Agriculture #
Sustainable agriculture refers to a set of practices that promote the long-term health and productivity of agricultural ecosystems, reducing the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Related terms include organic farming, eco-friendly materials, and environmental stewardship. Sustainable agriculture is used to promote sustainable textile production practices and reduce the environmental impact of the industry.
Sustainable Materials #
Sustainable materials refer to natural or synthetic materials that are designed to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainable consumption practices. Related terms include eco-friendly materials, renewable energy, and green chemistry. Sustainable materials, such as organic cotton and recycled polyester, are used to reduce waste and promote sustainable textile production practices.
Textile Waste #
Textile waste refers to unused or discarded textile materials, including clothing, fabrics, and other textile products. Related terms include waste reduction, recycling, and reuse. Textile waste is a significant problem in the textile industry, with millions of tons of waste generated each year, and can be reduced through sustainable production and consumption practices.
Upcycling #
Upcycling refers to the process of transforming old or discarded materials into new products of higher value or quality, reducing waste and promoting sustainable consumption practices. Related terms include recycling, reuse, and closed-loop production. Upcycling is used to create new products from textile waste, such as upcycled clothing and accessories.
Waste Reduction #
Waste reduction refers to the process of minimizing the amount of waste generated through sustainable production and consumption practices. Related terms include recycling, reuse, and closed-loop production. Waste reduction is used to reduce the environmental impact of the textile industry and promote sustainable development.
Waste Valorization #
Waste valorization refers to the process of transforming waste into valuable products or resources, reducing waste and promoting sustainable consumption practices. Related terms include recycling, reuse, and closed-loop production. Waste valorization is used to create new products from textile waste, such as recycled polyester and upcycled clothing.
Zero Waste #
Zero waste refers to a design approach that aims to eliminate waste entirely, promoting sustainable consumption practices and reducing the environmental impact of the textile industry. Related terms include circular economy, closed-loop production, and regenerative design. Zero waste design involves designing products and systems that are restorative and regenerative by design, reducing the continuous demand for new resources and promoting sustainable consumption practices.