Recycling silk scraps into sustainable fashion textiles under the circular economy concept

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the utilization of Thai silk scraps in sustainable textile production. The objectives of this study were to examine approaches for reducing raw material use in the fashion textile industry and to design and develop sustainable fashion textiles from recycled silk scraps using the circular economy concept as a key framework. The research was conducted in two stages: (1) a preliminary study using literature review and focus group discussions with 10 participants, and (2) material development and prototype design evaluated by three textile experts. Research instruments included focus group guidelines and expert evaluation forms. The findings showed that the use of virgin raw materials in the fashion textile industry was significantly reduced by combining 20% recycled silk scraps with 50% virgin cotton and 30% recycled polyester fiber. Fibers made from recycled materials were strong, flexible, and suitable for spinning and weaving into fabrics, resulting in a significant reduction in resource utilization and waste generated during the manufacturing process. Furthermore, weaving the resulting fibers utilizing traditional Thai textile handicraft techniques together with contemporary design concepts resulted in woven fabrics with cultural value and styles in line with contemporary fashion trends. Expert involvement in both stages helped ensure the reliability and validity of the research process and outcomes. Ten fashion lifestyle product prototypes were developed from these materials, demonstrating the potential for commercial application of recycled materials and supporting the concept of sustainable fashion within the Thai cultural context and the broader creative industry.