Recycling cellulose waste into foams

Unmet Need: A method for recycling cotton waste into lightweight foams

Current petroleum-based polyurethane and polystyrene foams are non-biodegradable, hard to recycle, and contribute significantly to landfill plastic waste and pollution. There is a critical need for sustainable alternatives that reduce environmental impact. To address this, researchers at Washington State University (WSU) have developed biodegradable foams made from recycled cotton waste. This innovative solution not only reduces plastic pollution but also promotes the circular use of textile waste, aligning with global sustainability and waste reduction goals.

Technology: Conversion of cotton waste to lightweight foams via an environmentally friendly solution casting technology

Researchers at WSU have developed a technology for recycling cotton waste into lightweight foams via solvent casting. Pre- and post-consumer cellulose waste is dissolved fully or partially in an environmentally friendly and low-cost solvent to obtain a viscose solution, which is then solvent cast into foams. The foam properties can be tailored during production to manufacture foams with a broad range of rigidity for various applications.

Applications:

A highly promising approach for recycling post-consumer cotton waste into a non-apparel product, such as cellulose foams
Facilitates the production of biodegradable foams with versatile applications across industries, including construction, packaging, and medical products

Advantages:

Sustainable waste management - transforms cotton waste into valuable materials, reducing landfill burden
Biodegradability – naturally decomposes, minimizing environmental impact
Petroleum-free alternative
Versatile applications
Supports circular economy
Scalable and adaptable