Phenolic Compounds from By-Products for Functional Textiles

Abstract

Textile dyeing is known to have major environmental concerns, especially with the high use of toxic chemicals. The use of alternatives such as natural dyes rich in phenolic compounds has become extremely appealing in order to move towards a more sustainable circular economy. Phenolic dyes have the potential to functionalize textile fabrics with properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, and UV protection. Wastes/residues from the agri-food industries stand out as highly attractive sources of these compounds, with several by-products showing promising results in textile dyeing through the implementation of more sustainable and eco-friendly processes. This review presents an up-to-date exploration of the sources of phenolic compounds used in the textile industry over the past two decades, with a primary focus on the functional properties they provide to different fabrics. The research highlights a surge in interest in this theme since 2017, accentuating a noticeable upward trend. Throughout this review, emphasis is given to by-products from the agri-food industry as the sources of these compounds. The reviewed papers lay the foundation for future research, paving the way for exploring the potential of raw materials and by-products in the creation of functional and smart textiles.

Grape Pomace (Vitis vinifera L.) Waste Valorization: Assessing Its Potential as a Sustainable Natural Dye for Textiles Applications

“…Phenolic compounds, when binding to textiles, form complexes that disrupt enzyme production, leading to cell death in microorganisms. This inhibition of the growth of bacteria and fungi, which can cause degradation or color staining, can result in increased color fastness and durability on the textile substrate [39].…”