04 02 Waste from the textile industry

The processes of manufacturing, weaving, dyeing and processing yarn, fabrics and finished textile materials generate significant quantities of fibrous residues, which are classified under code 04 02 Waste from the textile industry. This category includes textile trimmings, defective pieces of fabric, threads, spinning fluff, cotton wool, as well as lint and fabric waste generated at garment and textile manufacturing facilities.

Since these materials may consist of both natural fibers (cotton, wool, linen, silk) and synthetic or blended fibers (polyester, nylon, acrylic) with residues of dyes or finishing agents, they require proper sorting and a differentiated approach to collection.

Environmentally responsible management of such waste in production facilities requires strict compliance with fire safety regulations, as dry textile dust, fluff and lightweight synthetic trimmings are highly flammable and can rapidly spread fire.

In addition, synthetic-fiber textiles do not decompose under natural conditions for many years, while chemically treated fabrics or fabrics containing dye residues must not be indiscriminately disposed of at ordinary landfills.

The most rational approach to managing this waste is recycling and secondary use within the framework of the circular economy.

Clean textile trimmings and fibrous production waste are shredded to produce regenerated fiber, which is used in the manufacture of nonwoven materials, insulation and soundproofing materials for the construction and automotive industries, while mixed or contaminated textile waste may be directed to energy recovery (incineration with energy generation) at specialized facilities.