Upama Nasrin Haq

Purpose: As an alternative to widely used denim wet washing techniques, which consume a huge amount of water and chemicals, dry washing techniques need attention. That is why this study sought to investigate and evaluate the sustainable surface modification techniques known as dry wash methods applied in industrial denim apparel washing. Methodology/Design: A descriptive research design is followed to conduct the case studies by collecting primary data from three 100% export-oriented denim washing factories, exploring a detailed and accurate picture of the dry processes prevailing in the denim washing factories. The findings of the qualitative data of the study are reported descriptively with graphical illustration along with flow charts to convey the collected information for better understanding, along with the sustainability indicators, namely Water, chemical and energy consumption. Findings: The study analyses water, chemicals, and energy as indicators of sustainable washing and finds zero water and chemical usage in the hand scrapping, tagging, grinding, whiskering, destroying, laser, and ozone fading, along with no or very little energy consumption in grinding (0.67%), laser (4.8%) and ozone fading (4.5%) procedures, validating environmental sustainability. Practical and Social Implications: This paper contributes detailed information about sustainable surface modification on denim to the academic and professional literature, comprehending valuable contents like process techniques, tools, controlling points, and resource consumptions in the context of water, chemical, and energy consumption as well as help global manufacturers set benchmarks in adopting and modifying those manual processes to progress further in industrial apparel washing. Originality: This paper provides practical field-level information on multiple dry process techniques used in denim surface modification, focusing on their sustainability in terms of water, chemical, and energy use. Case studies from three manufacturers enrich the literature with real-world manufacturing scenarios for dry wash surface modification techniques.

This study explores the practical application of material circularity in Bangladesh’s textile and apparel industry, focusing on pre-consumer textile solid waste management. While much of the existing literature discusses circular economy (CE) models theoretically, this research presents an actual case where a material circularity is implemented. Through a detailed examination of market clusters dealing with the resale, reuse, recycling, and the waste material matrix, the study uncovers the complexities of sorting, processing, and repurposing textile solid waste. Despite challenges like inconsistent sorting practices, informal market operations, and limited recycling infrastructure, the findings highlight significant scopes for material circularity. The study emphasizes the need for standardized regulations and targeted interventions to scale up circular practices. By showcasing real-world examples of material circularity, this research contributes to the development of a systematic, policy-driven approach to sustainable waste management in the textile industry, moving beyond theoretical discussions to practical, actionable insights.

In a quest to find an environmentally friendly alternative to manmade fiber, the focus has been turned into locally available natural plants. Typha elephantina Roxb. plant, commonly known as Hogla in Bangladesh, belongs to the family Typhaceae and is used for local crafts. In this paper, the physical characteristics of Hogla fiber such as tensile properties, morphological structures, thermal stability and crystallinity were studied using an optical microscope, TGA and XRD techniques. Chemical compositions were studied using FTIR. The fiber is found to be lignocellulosic, similar to jute, with 63.2% α-cellulose, 12.1% hemicellulose and 24.1% lignin. The degree of crystallinity is around 59%. The IR spectra show peaks in similar regions to jute. The cross-sectionals features are multicellular, consisting of 6–8 cells in a fiber. With very similar properties to jute, the Hogla fiber have the potential to be used in combination with other fibers for apparel or composite.