Work

Sustainable Treatments in Denim Fabric: A Systematic Review of Environmental Impact

Year: 2025

Type: review

Abstract: The denim production is among the most polluting processes in textiles due to its high consumption of water, energy, and chemicals. This study presents a Systematic Literature Review (PRISMA 2020) on sustainable treatments applied to denim, with emphasis on their environmental impacts, evaluation methodologies, and main implementation challenges. A total of 26 open-access articles published between 2020 and 2024 in Scopus and Web of Science, in English and Spanish, were analyzed. The most relevant treatments include enzymes, ozone, laser, nebulization, and recycled materials, which report reductions of up to 60% in water consumption, decreased use of chemicals, lower CO2 emissions, and reduced solid waste generation, consolidating them as viable alternatives to conventional methods. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) emerges as the main evaluation tool, although its application remains partial and inconsistent. The findings highlight the need to standardize methodologies and integrate economic, social, and regulatory dimensions in order to foster a sustainable transition aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Source: Sustainability

DOI: 10.3390/su172310469

Authors: Valeria Chugá-Chamorro, Marco Naranjo-Toro, Omar Godoy-Collaguazo, Andrea Basantes-Andrade

Institution: Universidad Técnica del Norte

Language: English

Topic: Dyeing and Modifying Textile Fibers

Subfield: Building and Construction

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896