Rethinking textile disposal: reuse of denim for new product development

Abstract

This research proposes to incorporate the process of upcycling textile discards by molding polymers with denim fabric within the polymer matrix to be applied in the development of new products. To this end, according to Bruno Munari (Munari 1981), design should not be designed without a method, that is, thinking in an artistic way with the purpose of a solution is not enough if there is no research on similar projects to what one wants to do. Based on Munari’s thought, this article has as its primary step the literature review of what has been explored as well as the study of concepts related to the theme. From this, the selection of possible combinations of materials and technology to be tested was planned, aiming to define, for the second phase of the work (experimental phase), the most viable solution for the development of new fashion and furniture products with denim reuse. In a future phase, this work seeks to develop a material that can be applied in various fields of production, highlighting not only the importance of reusing discarded materials, but also the need for greater awareness regarding the effects of the production mode on the environment.