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The textile industry is one of the most resource-intensive sectors, with significant environmental impacts due to the extensive use of water, chemicals, and energy. As the demand for sustainable and eco-friendly textile solutions grows, innovative approaches, such as biopolymer coatings, are emerging as key contributors to enhancing textile sustainability. This article delves into the advancements in biopolymer coatings and their transformative role in making textiles more sustainable [1,2].
Many chemical treatments are used in textile production techniques, which pollute the environment and endanger the health of both consumers and workers. The extensive use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are favored for their oleophobic and hydrophobic qualities, is one of the main challenges. Although these substances are widely used in sportswear, uniforms, and automotive fabrics, regulatory pressure to remove them has increased due to their environmental persistence and bioaccumulation in human tissues.
It has been proven that exposure to PFAs has been connected to cancer, hormonal disruptions and immune suppression. Concerns regarding the long-term health implications of PFAs, that were detected in human blood, breast milk and urine, have been raised by researchers. The demand for PFAS-free alternatives is more pressing than ever because the textile industry contributes significantly to PFAS pollution through wastewater discharge and household dust [3]. Consequently, there is a critical need for sustainable alternatives that can reduce the environmental footprint of textiles, while maintaining or enhancing their functional properties [4].
Biopolymer coatings are derived from natural, renewable sources such as polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids. These materials offer an eco-friendly alternative to conventional synthetic coatings, providing similar or superior functionalities without the associated environmental drawbacks. Biopolymer coatings can impart various properties to textiles, including water repellency, antimicrobial activity, and enhanced durability, all while being biodegradable and non-toxic [2,5].
One of the significant advancements in the field of biopolymer coatings is the development of crosslinked biopolymer oil/wax microcapsules in a polysaccharide matrix. This innovative coating solution, as being developed by the PROPLANET project, aims to create hydrophobic and oleophobic textile surfaces, providing effective protection against water and oil-based stains. These coatings are not only environmentally friendly but also enhance the performance and longevity of textile products.
The PROPLANET project focuses on designing biopolymer coatings based on the principles of Safety and Sustainability by Design (SSbD). This approach ensures that the coatings are free from hazardous additives, minimising their environmental and health impacts. By leveraging natural materials and advanced formulation techniques, PROPLANET aims to replace harmful PFAS-based coatings with safe and sustainable alternatives [2].
According to recent studies, bio-based polysaccharide and protein coatings can offer oleophobic and hydrophobic qualities that are on par with those of PFAS-based solutions. By combining hydrophobic surface treatments with nano/microstructured roughening, several of these coatings achieve surface roughness modification which makes them water-repellent. This method effectively repels liquids from fabrics by drawing inspiration from the superhydrophobic surfaces found in nature, such as lotus leaves [3].
The Janus nanocellulose membrane, which has dual wettability properties (hydrophilic on one side and hydrophobic on the other), is another interesting advancement in PFAS-free textile coatings. Water-repellent fabrics free of hazardous chemicals are made possible by nitrogen plasma treatment, which alters cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) to add hydrophobic functional groups. Janus membranes, in contrast to traditional PFAS-based coatings, offer selective moisture control, which makes them perfect for functional fabrics that need to be durable and breathable. In addition to their great mechanical strength and UV-blocking properties, these membranes provide stability and long-term performance [4].
Due to their numerous advantages, biopolymer coatings are a desirable option for the textile industry. Their utilisation of renewable resources, which lessens dependency on fossil fuels and carbon emissions, is the source of their environmental sustainability. They reduce waste and pollution because they are biodegradable and do not linger in the environment like synthetic coatings do. Performance-wise, these coatings offer superior oleophobic and hydrophobic qualities, improving stain and spill resistance and prolonging textile life. By removing harmful chemicals, they also help to improve safety and health by lowering the risk of chemical exposure and related health issues while guaranteeing that textiles are safe for workers and consumers alike. Furthermore, Janus nanocellulose membranes give biopolymer coatings a novel characteristic by allowing for selective moisture control, which makes textiles both water-repellent and breathable. Their applicability for moisture-sensitive applications, such smart textiles, sportswear, and medical fabrics, is improved by their dual-wettability feature, which further solidifies their position as a high-performing and environmentally friendly substitute for traditional coatings [1-4].
Leading the way in the development and advancement of biopolymer coatings for the textile sector is the PROPLANET project. PROPLANET seeks to develop coatings that are both efficient and profitable by combining cutting-edge computational technologies and sustainability evaluations. The project’s dedication to a cradle-to-grave analysis guarantees that the coatings’ full lifecycle is taken into account, fostering the ideas of the circular economy and lessening its negative effects on the environment. The PROPLANET Replication Tool aids in PROPLANET’s replication efforts, which promote the use of these innovative coatings in a range of textile applications. This technology ensures the coatings’ effective market integration by customizing them for various conditions and requirements using data-driven algorithms and multi-objective optimisation.
Novel biopolymer coatings are a big step in improving the sustainability of textiles. These coatings provide a promising answer to the environmental challenges impacting the textile industry by substituting for eco-friendly, biodegradable materials. Through innovative materials research and sustainability-driven design, the PROPLANET project is significantly contributing to the advancement of PFAS-free textile coatings.
IDENER RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT AGRUPACION DE INTERES ECONOMICO
Calle Earle Ovington 24-8, La Rinconada Sevilla, 41300, ES
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info@proplanet-project.eu
Funded by the European Union under the GA no 101091842. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or HaDEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
Funded by the European Union under the GA no 101091842. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or HaDEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
IDENER RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT AGRUPACION DE INTERES ECONOMICO
Calle Earle Ovington 24-8, La Rinconada Sevilla, 41300, ES
Ask for more
info@proplanet-project.eu
Funded by the European Union under the GA no 101091842. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or HaDEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
© Copyright 2025 by EXELISIS
© Copyright 2025 by EXELISIS IKE