Diverse Engineering Solutions for the Modern World
A boy searches through trash at Happyland in search of anything valuable. Photo credit: Ted McDonnell
A cloud of heavy smog shrouds the community of Happyland in the Philippines, one of the poorest settlements in Manila, as piles of discarded clothing and textiles, mixed with other waste, accumulate into thick layers of rubbish. Impoverished Filipinos scavenge in the rat-infested dump in search of reusable materials for resale, which poses a serious threat to their health. Discarded textiles—often made from synthetic fibers like polyester—release harmful microplastics as they break down. Waste pickers burn textiles and other materials to extract valuable components, further releasing hazardous byproducts that endanger both human health and the environment. Beyond the immediate health risks, the textile waste crisis clogs drains and waterways, eventually flowing into the ocean and contributing to marine pollution. This issue is part of a broader global crisis, with textile waste piling up in landfills and oceans, affecting ecosystems and vulnerable communities worldwide (World Economic Forum, 2019). However, amidst this despair, two female engineers and a female scientist offer hope as they develop revolutionary technology aimed at addressing both textile and plastic waste crises.
Society has undoubtedly benefited from the great engineering achievements of the 20th century, particularly innovations in petrochemical technologies. These advancements revolutionized industries such as textiles, leading to the widespread use of synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon. However, the environmental impact of these developments has been significant, especially for marginalized communities in developing countries. Textile waste, dominated by synthetic materials, is now a major contributor to pollution. Unlike natural fibers, synthetic fabrics do not easily decompose; for example, polyester can take hundreds of years to degrade. As these materials break down, they release microfibers into waterways, which flow into the ocean, harming marine life.
While textiles offer convenience and versatility, their environmental cost is high. Clothing production consumes large amounts of water, energy, and chemicals. Moreover, the fashion industry’s shift toward fast fashion has fueled overconsumption and waste. Each year, millions of tons of clothing are discarded, with only a small fraction being recycled. Globally, 92 million tons of textile waste is generated annually, with 134 million tons per year expected by the end of 2030 (Kerr and Landry, 2017). Like plastic waste, textile waste in developing countries is exacerbated by the import of secondhand clothing from industrialized nations, overwhelming local waste management systems and communities (United Nations, 2021).
Mango Materials, a renewable byproducts company founded by engineers Molly Morse and Allison Pieja and microbiologist Anne Schauer-Gimenez, has developed an innovative technology that converts methane into a biodegradable biopolymer. While their primary focus has been on plastics, this type of innovation holds promise for textiles as well. In fact, new technologies are emerging in the fashion industry that use biodegradable or recycled fibers to create more sustainable garments. From biodegradable polyester alternatives to natural fibers that break down quickly, these innovations show that it’s possible to reduce the environmental impact of textiles. For example, fashion brands are increasingly turning to fibers made from waste products or renewable sources, creating closed-loop systems similar to the one pioneered by Mango Materials.
The three co-founding women scientists, from left to right: Allison Pieja, Chief Technology Office; Molly Morse, CEO; and Anne Schauer-Gimenez, VP of Customer Engagement.
Replacing conventional synthetic textiles with biodegradable or recyclable alternatives could significantly reduce textile waste and pollution, offering a solution to the growing crisis. By embracing diverse perspectives and innovative technologies, the textile industry can move toward a more sustainable future—one where textiles no longer contribute to the environmental burden on communities like Happyland but instead help pave the way for a cleaner, more equitable world.
Sources
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Bee, S. (2018). Mango materials - sustainability leaders interview with seal awards. SEAL Awards. Retrieved January 22, 2023, from https://sealawards.com/mango-materials-interview/
Greatest engineering achievements of the Twentieth Century. (n.d.). Petroleum and Petrochemical Technologies. Retrieved January 14, 2023, from http://greatachievements.org/?id=2965
Kerr J, Landry J (2017) Pulse of the fashion industry. Global Fashion Agenda, The Boston Consulting Group, Boston. Retrieved January 22, 2023, from https://www.globalfashionagenda.com/publications-and-policy/pulse-of-the-industry.
Mango Materials. (n.d.). Complicated Science, Simple Solutions. Retrieved January 16, 2023, from https://www.mangomaterials.com/innovation/#mangoLoopSection0
United Nations. (2021). Plastic pollution disproportionately hitting marginalized groups, UN Environment Report finds | UN news. Retrieved January 22, 2023, from https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/03/1088712
World Economic Forum. (2019). This is what the world's waste does to people in poorer countries. Retrieved January 22, 2023, from https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/05/this-is-what-the-world-s-waste-does-to-people-in-poorer-countries/
World Economic Forum. (2022). Top 25 recycling facts and statistics for 2022. Retrieved January 22, 2023, from https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/06/recycling-global-statistics-facts-plastic-paper/
