Textile waste ash has been found to increase cement strength by up to 16 per cent when used as a partial substitute for conventional cement. Tests also showed that textile-derived ash could replace up to 7.5 per cent of conventional cement under standard curing conditions. The findings reported a higher-value reuse route for discarded textiles within cement and concrete production.
- In Europe, only a fraction of post-consumer textiles is collected separately, and just a few per cent of used clothing becomes new products.
- Synthetic garments and fibre blends are difficult to recycle, with additives complicating sorting and processing and microplastics released during washing or treatment.
- Cement production, especially clinker firing in rotary kilns, is a major pollution source driving efforts to replace portions of ordinary Portland cement with alternative binders.
- The findings formed part of the Textifuel project, carried out by Kaunas University of Technology with the Lithuanian Energy Institute.
THE STUDY: The research examined how textile waste could be converted into alternative fuel and cement additives through thermal treatment and ash recovery. Textile waste was processed at around 300 °C in an inert environment to produce carbon-rich granules, which were then combusted to generate ash with distinct mineral and chemical properties. The work formed part of the Textifuel project.
- The study focused on higher-value reuse routes for textile waste beyond common low-value applications such as insulation, padding or cleaning materials.
- Researchers assessed the suitability of textile-derived ash as a partial replacement for conventional cement in cementitious mixtures used under standard laboratory conditions.
- The investigation also explored the potential of textile-derived materials as alternative fuels for energy-intensive industrial processes.
WHAT THE DATA SHOWS: Tests showed that textile-derived ash could replace a portion of conventional cement without reducing performance. Cement samples containing textile ash recorded higher compressive strength under standard curing conditions, indicating functional compatibility as a binder substitute. The results suggested that substitution outcomes depended on ash composition, processing conditions and cement formulation.
- Tests showed that textile ash substitution delivered compressive strength gains of up to 16 per cent under standard curing conditions.
- Adding 1.5 per cent recycled polyester fibre from discarded clothing increased concrete strength by 15–20 per cent and improved freeze–thaw resistance.
- Performance outcomes varied with ash composition, which depended on textile type and fuel characteristics during thermal treatment and combustion.
THE BROADER VIEW: Textile and construction sectors remain among the most resource-intensive industries in Europe, generating large waste volumes and emissions. Most discarded textiles continue to be landfilled or incinerated, while cement production contributes significantly to industrial carbon output. The study positioned textile-derived fuels and ash as one possible route to reduce pressure on both systems through material substitution and circular reuse.
- In the European Union, several billion tonnes of waste are generated each year, prompting policy shifts towards circular economy models.
- Direct incineration of textile waste increases carbon emissions, reinforcing interest in alternative reuse and recovery pathways.
- Researchers noted that alternative fuels and cement substitutes remain at early development stages but are gaining recognition for industrial decarbonisation potential.
WHAT THEY SAID
The cement industry, especially clinker firing processes in rotary kilns, contributes significantly to environmental pollution. This is why researchers are actively seeking ways to reduce the amount of conventional cement in cement-based mixtures by replacing it with alternative binders or fillers.
— Raimonda Kubiliūtė
Faculty of Chemical Technology
Kaunas University of Technology
