Description:The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawing and the experimental methods.
This invention presents a systematic and sustainable process for repurposing weaving selvedge waste, transforming it directly into woven fabrics and reusable products such as bags. The invention aims to address textile waste management challenges while promoting eco-friendly practices through an energy-efficient and scalable method.
1. Raw Material Collection: The process begins with the collection of selvedge waste from weaving units. The waste, typically discarded as a byproduct, is gathered using a collection system integrated into weaving setups, ensuring real-time retrieval and storage. The collected waste maintains its structural integrity, making it suitable for direct reuse.
2. Weaving Process (Handloom): The selvedge waste is fed into modified handlooms, which are adapted to handle non-standard material. This direct weaving approach bypasses traditional fiber breakdown and recycling processes, preserving the material's strength and reducing energy consumption. The outcome is a woven fabric with coarse yet durable properties, suitable for further processing.
3. Fabric Production: The woven fabric produced from the selvedge waste serves as the primary material for creating reusable products. The fabric retains the texture and structure of the original waste, reflecting the sustainable nature of the process.
4. Pattern Marking: The woven fabric is laid out, and patterns are marked using tools such as rulers and chalk. This step ensures accurate cutting of fabric pieces according to the desired product dimensions, minimizing waste.
5. Cutting Process: The marked fabric is cut precisely along the patterns, ensuring uniformity in the shapes required for the final product. This step is critical for maintaining the design and functionality of the finished item.
6. Stitching Process: The cut pieces are assembled through industrial stitching, creating a strong and durable product. The stitching process enhances the usability and durability of the fabric, transforming it into a practical item such as a reusable bag.
7. Finished Product: The end product is a reusable bag made entirely from selvedge waste. The bag is designed for durability, flexibility, and functionality, serving as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional products. The process ensures minimal environmental impact while delivering a value-added, sustainable product.
8. Scalability and Industrial Integration: The entire process is designed to be energy-efficient and compatible with existing textile production systems. It requires minimal modifications to existing setups, ensuring easy scalability and adoption across the textile industry.
9. Sustainability and Circular Economy: By directly converting waste into functional products, the invention supports the principles of a circular economy. It minimizes landfill contributions, reduces raw material dependency, and promotes sustainable manufacturing practices.
, C , Claims:We claim:
1. A method for preparing a selvedge waste-based eco-friendly bag, comprising:
• Selvedge waste fabric strips;
• A reinforcement lining;
• Biodegradable stitching thread;
• Recycled zippers and handles;
• A natural water-repellent finish;
• Wherein the selvedge waste fabric is cleaned using natural detergents and air-dried;
• Wherein the reinforcement lining is made from natural fibers like jute or coir;
• Wherein the stitching thread used is biodegradable polyester;
• Wherein the natural water-repellent finish is achieved using plant-based wax.
2. The method of preparing selvedge waste fabrics as claimed in claim 1, wherein selvedge waste fabric strips are cut to a uniform width and woven into fabrics using handlooms or power looms with adjustable tension settings.
3. The method of manufacturing eco-friendly bags as claimed in claim 1, wherein the templates for cutting bag panels are digitally mapped to optimize material usage, reducing cutting waste by at least 15%.
4. The eco-friendly bag as claimed in claim 1-3, demonstrates enhanced durability and water resistance suitable for carrying weights up to 10 kilograms.
5. The use of selvedge waste fabrics as claimed in claim 1-4, wherein the fabrics are pre-sorted by color and woven into gradient-patterned designs without additional dyeing, promoting sustainability.
6. The method of weaving selvedge waste fabrics as claimed in claim 2, wherein thick selvedge strips are interwoven into multi-layered fabrics for applications requiring high durability, such as industrial bags or mats.
7. The bag manufacturing process as claimed in claim 1-3, wherein leftover selvedge waste from cutting is repurposed into smaller products like pouches, wallets, or tags, ensuring zero waste production.
8. The final products as claimed in claims 1-7, branded with biodegradable tags and packaged in compostable materials for an eco-friendly lifecycle.
9. A process for integrating traditional handloom techniques as claimed in claims 1-7, ensuring artisan employment and skill development, while reducing textile waste and environmental impact