Upcycling aquaculture waste for textile functional material to facilitate the creation of novel and sustainable jeans

With the increasing emphasis on health, environment, and advancements in science and technology, the sustainability of denim products has garnered growing attention. This study proposes a new denim fabric to enhance the sustainability of jeans in terms of raw materials and usage. UMORFIL Beauty Fiber, a bionic cellulose fiber composed of collagen peptides upcycled from fish-scale waste, was used for this purpose. Considering that fibers combine collagen and plant fibers, they are an excellent choice for fabricating skin-friendly and wash-resistant clothing. Notably, its excellent deodorant properties make it highly suitable for producing denim clothing that requires minimal washing. Therefore, a novel denim fabric utilizing fibers to envelop Lycra elastane was designed and used in this study. The analysis in this study demonstrates that the upgraded denim fabric possesses favorable tactile attributes and effective deodorizing properties. By preventing the occurrence of unpleasant odors in the denim fabric, the number of washings can be reduced, thereby preventing consumer dissatisfaction with deformations and early discarding of jeans. Because contemporary jeans encompass not only durability but also various design and styling elements, rendering them essential in the world of fashion, this innovation holds significant importance. Furthermore, a reduction in the number of washing cycles led to decreased detergent usage and a decline in the generation of pollutants during discharge, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly denim fabric. These findings are crucial for promoting the sustainable development of the jeans industry.