Ministry of Good IdeasGood idea: cradle 2 cradle fashion
https://phys.org/news/2026-05-recyclable-protein-textiles-microplastic-pollution.html
Engineers from Washington University in St. Louis may have a solution to waste from the textile industry: protein-based materials, which are produced in bioreactors (think giant brewing tanks) using genetically engineered microbes. These materials can be readily recycled after use and remade into the same fibers over multiple cycles. In addition, any microparticles, if released from these fibers during washing, would be biodegradable.
"We engineered recyclable protein fibers that dissolve in a formic acid solution within seconds, yet remain stable in water and strong after drying," said Zhang.
Study:
https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adma.73200
New recyclable protein textiles could cut microplastic pollution and lower clothing waste
The textile industry produces a substantial portion of the world's waste, with only about 12% of fiber materials ending up in recycling. Textiles also account for much of the microplastics in oceans. During every wash cycle, synthetic fibers shed microplastics that are flushed down the drain and eventually enter aquatic environments. Increasing textile recycling alone won't solve this problem because most petrochemical-based fibers are difficult to recycle and continue to release persistent microplastics throughout their life cycle.
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