Textile industry and environment: can the use of bacterial cellulose in the manufacture of biotextiles contribute to the sector?

The textile industry is one of the most complex sectors in relation to environmental degradation, both with regard to the materials used from petroleum and its chemical processes and during its manufacture and disposal. Therefore, new possibilities for more sustainable materials are emerging. One of the options is the use of microorganisms, as the biomaterial formed is considered biodegradable and has potential use for several sectors, including the fashion industry. The bacteria of the Komagataeibacter xylinus family present in the probiotic drink Kombucha, is a great source for the production of bacterial cellulose (BC) and has the potential to replace fabrics in the production of clothing and accessories. Therefore, this article carried out an integrative literature review, addressing in the results and discussions the problem surrounding the pollution generated by the Textile Industry, the advantages and disadvantages of bacterial cellulose as a bio-textile and how these issues can contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Finally, it is believed that the textile industrial system should be revised, as it is still incongruous on both environmental and social issues. Therefore, thinking about new, more sustainable materials, such as bacterial cellulose, is a form of mitigation and consistent with the SDGs. [GRAPHICS]

Automated summary

The textile industry is a major contributor to environmental degradation, but the use of microbial-produced biomaterials like bacterial cellulose offers a sustainable alternative. Bacterial cellulose has the potential to replace traditional textiles in various industries, making it a viable option for achieving Sustainable Development Goals.