Textiles production and end-of-life management options

Textiles represent a very important product category and are largely based on fibers of synthetic polymers. Considering the long and elaborate production chain, the textile industry is considered as the second most polluting industry. In the first part of this chapter, the environmental impact of the individual production stages from raw materials to the final garment in the retailer's shop is summarized. It has to be considered that plastic fibers are commingled with cellulosic fibers, and recycling processes are therefore difficult. The second part gives an overview about the options for reuse and recycling of end-of-life textiles. Reuse of textiles as second-hand clothes is well established, but its ecological and social benefits should be questioned. Today, smart recycling processes are still in their infancy, but in the European Union, due to a new legislation, major changes will take place in the near future.