Environmental assessment of energetic valorization of textile waste via fluidized bed combustion with post-combustion catalytic treatment, thermal plasma application, and carbon capture

Abstract

The textile industry is one of the most polluting sectors worldwide, generating large amounts of post-consumer and industrial waste with limited recycling options and significant greenhouse gas emissions. This study assesses the environmental viability of energy recovery from textile waste through fluidized bed combustion and oxycombustion, followed by post-combustion catalytic treatment, thermal plasma application, and carbon capture. A gate-to-gate life cycle assessment (LCA) was performed using process simulation data for textile waste with a composition of 50% cotton and 50% polyester, integrating selective catalytic reduction for NO_x abatement, CaO-based treatment for CO₂ capture, and also incorporating real thermal plasma data for the destruction of dioxins and furans. Environmental impacts were quantified using the ReCiPe 2016 Midpoint (H) method. Results show that combustion with carbon capture and thermal plasma application achieved a global warming potential (GWP) of 3.6 kg CO₂ eq. per kg textile. In comparison, oxycombustion with carbon capture and thermal plasma application achieved 4.3 kg CO₂ eq. per kg textile, representing reductions of 27–57% compared to textile waste disposal in landfills, incineration, or mechanical/chemical recycling. CO₂ capture and thermal plasma were the primary contributors to environmental burdens, whereas steam generation provided significant offsetting credits. Oxycombustion increased NO_x and particulate emissions but reduced eutrophication and aquatic ecotoxicity. Overall, combustion and oxycombustion with post-combustion catalytic treatment, thermal plasma application, and carbon capture offer a promising route for the energetic valorization of non-recyclable textile waste, combining greenhouse gas reduction, energy recovery, and lower environmental impacts, supporting circular economy strategies.