The Compostability of Denim Fabrics Dyed with Various Indigos

Authors

  • Wendy Alwala Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
  • Antonia Perju Institute of Analytical Chemistry, Chemo- and Biosensors, University of Regensburg, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
  • Mary Schwarz Cornell Waste Management Institute, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
  • Jean Bonhotal Cornell Waste Management Institute, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
  • Steven Pires Cotton Incorporated, 6399 Weston Parkway, Cary, NC 27513, USA
  • Mary Ankeny Cotton Incorporated, 6399 Weston Parkway, Cary, NC 27513, USA
  • Jesse Daystar Cotton Incorporated, 6399 Weston Parkway, Cary, NC 27513, USA
  • Margaret Frey Department of Human Centered Design, 37 Forest Home Dr. Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA

Keywords:

Biodegradation, Cotton fabric, Composting, Denim

Abstract

Denim fabric samples representing current indigo dye sources and fabric structures were biodegraded in feedstock including food waste, manure, and animal bedding, which are typically composted at the Cornell Farm Services Composting Facility and processed under laboratory conditions for 77 days.  Indigo types including dry denim, pre-reduced, and natural did not inhibit degradation as compared to undyed 100% cotton fabric. Additionally, fabrics tested as received from the mill and those tested post scouring degraded effectively. As expected, denim containing 24% polyester and 2% spandex retained overall fabric structure despite degradation of the cotton portion of the yarns.

Downloads

Published

2024-03-11

Issue

Vol. 19 No. 2 (2024)

Section

Research Article or Brief Communication