KTU research is exploring how recycled textiles and textile ash could support low-carbon cement and energy production.
Researchers at Kaunas University of Technology are studying how textile waste ash can be used to strengthen cement and reduce emissions from the construction industry.Early tests show that textile ash can replace up to 7.
5 percent of traditional cement and increase compressive strength by up to 16 percent.The approach could help solve two growing waste problems while supporting the EU shift toward a circular economy.Turning waste into material valueThe EU generates billions of tonnes of waste every year, and regulators are working to move away from disposal-based systems. Textile waste remains one of the most difficult material streams to manage.Most discarded garments are sent to landfills or burned, and only a very small share returns to the market as new textile products. Fibre blends, synthetic additives, and microplastic release make sorting and recycling challenging.KTU researchers are exploring whether the industry can recover higher value from these discarded materials. The idea is to treat waste as a resource rather than a burden.Scientists believe concrete and cement applications could offer a scalable pathway because the sector consumes large material volumes and has an urgent need to cut emissions.Textile waste is also being tested in other areas of cement technology. Laboratory work at KTU shows that concrete samples containing 1.5 percent polyester fibre recovered from discarded clothing recorded a 15 to 20 percent increase in strength.The samples also showed better resistance to freeze and thaw cycles, which is important for infrastructure durability.Researchers are also studying how textile waste could function as energy. When heated to about 300 degrees Celsius in an oxygen-free environment, the material forms carbon-rich granules with high calorific value. Burning these granules creates ash, which feeds directly into the cement-use research stream.Potential low-carbon pathwayReducing concrete clinker use remains a key priority for lowering emissions in construction.Dr Raimonda Kubiliūtė from the KTU Faculty of Chemical Technology 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.”She noted that textile ash could help support that shift.“This technological solution not only reduces CO₂ emissions during cement production but also provides an innovative and environmentally friendly approach to textile waste management.”The work remains in early research stages but aligns with similar global efforts.A 2025 Springer publication found that calcined smectitic clay waste can also partially replace Portland cement in LC3 binders while maintaining competitive strength.The trend suggests growing recognition of industrial waste as a viable material source for construction.
Circular Economy Construction Materials Sustainability Research Textile Ash Textile Waste
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Leaked Microsoft organizational chart shows top 16 execs under NadellaBusiness Insider tells the global tech, finance, stock market, media, economy, lifestyle, real estate, AI and innovative stories you want to know.
Read more »
After 16 Years, Absolute Batman Redeems Arkham Asylum's Monstrous JokerBatman stands in front of all his DC villains in Arkham video game poster
Read more »
13-year-old girl arrested after fatally shooting 16-year-old boy, police sayA 13-year-old girl was taken into custody over the weekend after fatally shooting a 16-year-old boy in Pomona, police said.
Read more »
NYC sneaks in 16% pay raises to put on Zohran Mamdani's desk as welcome giftToday's Video Headlines: 11/25/25
Read more »
Malaysia to ban social media for children under 16 next yearThe move is part of a broader effort to shield young people from online harm like cyberbullying, scams and sexual exploitation.
Read more »
Struggling No. 16 Texas enters game vs. No. 3 Texas A&M with slim playoff hopesTexas Longhorns' defense faces challenges as they prepare to take on rival Texas A&M with slim playoff chances.
Read more »