Recent progress in regenerated fibers for “green” textile products

Environmental sustainability has become an essential principle in every industry. Specifically in the fashion and textile industries, regenerated textile fibers are crucial for sustainability and a circular economy. Manufacture of regenerated fibers typically involves dissolution of low-value sources to form polymer solutions followed by processing of these solutions to produce regenerated fibers. Regenerated cellulose fibers, such as rayon, cellulose acetate, and lyocell fibers, are among the most commercially successful textile fibers because of their appropriate mechanical properties and consumer preference for “green” products. This review discusses recent progress in regenerated fibers derived from various sources including cellulose and protein extracted from textile wastes, alternative carbohydrates, and microbial mass. Sources, solvent types, manufacturing process, and mechanical properties of the regenerated fibers are reviewed to assess the potential of these fibers for mass production. To examine the sustainabilities of regenerated fibers, biodegradabilities of these fibers and the release of microfibers from them are compared with those of other commercial fibers. Finally, a list of emerging start-up companies that produce regenerated fibers from untapped resources is provided, many of which supply novel fiber products to fashion brands. This review indicates that although regenerated fibers add values to the fashion and textile industries in terms of waste reduction and recovery, environmental impacts of the production, use, and disposal of regenerated fibers should be further systematically investigated to move toward a truly sustainable future.