Researchers at the ATLAS Institute at the University of Colorado Boulder are introducing a new concept in fashion: a T-shirt that can be dissolved and recycled to create a new shirt when the wearer gets tired of it. The team of engineers and designers have developed a DIY machine that spins textile fibers made of materials like sustainably sourced gelatin. The biofibers feel similar to flax fiber and can dissolve in hot water in minutes to an hour, allowing for easy recycling. Led by Eldy Lázaro Vásquez, the team presented its findings at the CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems in Honolulu.
The fashion industry faces a growing global problem of textile waste, as millions of tons of textiles end up in landfills each year. The researchers at the ATLAS Institute hope to provide a solution by offering a way to recycle clothing using their biofiber technology. The machine they have developed is small enough to fit on a desk and cost only $560 to build, making it accessible to designers worldwide. This prototyping machine allows for customizing fibers with desired strength, elasticity, and color, without relying on large-scale machinery.
The team’s innovative approach to making clothes involves using gelatin, a protein commonly found in animal byproducts that are often discarded as waste by meat producers. By repurposing this material into wearable fabrics, the researchers are promoting sustainable fashion practices. The machine they have designed uses a syringe to heat up and extrude liquid gelatin mixture, which is then stretched into fibers resembling silk. By adding bio-based dyes or strengthening agents like genipin, the fibers can be customized for different applications.
One of the key benefits of the biofibers is their recyclability, as demonstrated by the researchers by creating sensors out of gelatin fibers and cotton and conductive yarns. These sensors can be easily dissolved in warm water, releasing the yarns for reuse. Designers can adjust the chemistry of the fibers to make them more durable or explore other natural ingredients like chitin from crab shells or agar-agar from algae. This holistic approach to textile production considers the entire lifecycle of the materials, from sourcing to disposal.
The team’s work aligns with the trend of smart textiles, where fashion and technology intersect to create innovative wearable products. However, unlike conventional smart clothing that is difficult to recycle due to embedded electronics, the biofibers developed by the researchers offer a more sustainable solution. By finding ways to repurpose waste materials like gelatin into fashion pieces that can be easily recycled, the team is paving the way for a circular fashion economy that minimizes waste and environmental impact.
Overall, the research conducted by the team at the ATLAS Institute showcases a promising future for sustainable fashion with the development of biofibers that can be dissolved and recycled. By leveraging materials like gelatin that are abundant and often discarded as waste, designers have the potential to create customizable and eco-friendly textiles. Through their innovative machine and creative approach to textile production, the researchers are offering a glimpse into a fashion industry that prioritizes sustainability and environmental responsibility.