Chapter 10 - Feasibility of Extracting Cellulose Fibers from Waste Fabric as an Alternative Pulp in making Papers by: Elaine Ann R. Malagkit

Deforestation and textile waste pollution are critical global and local environmental concerns driven by the increasing demand for paper and the rapid expansion of the fashion industry (EEA, 2019). Traditional paper production depends on wood pulp, contributing to deforestation, while fabric waste from households and tailor shops accumulates in landfills, worsening pollution. In urban areas like Pateros, improper textile waste disposal adds to environmental degradation. This study explores the feasibility of using waste fabric as an alternative raw material for paper production to address these issues sustainably. A quasi-applied experimental research design was employed, combining qualitative and quantitative methods. Waste fabric was collected from households and tailor shops in Barangay Aguho, Pateros, using simple random sampling where the population has an equal chance of being selected (Horton, 2024). Cellulose fibers were extracted through alkali treatment, and the resulting fabric paper was analyzed based on texture, durability, ink absorption, and drying time. Data were gathered through questionnaires and evaluated using summation, mean, and the proportional allocation formula. Results showed that 100% cotton fabric paper exhibited superior durability, better ink control, and vibrant color retention compared to mixed polyester and cotton. Findings suggest that fabric waste is feasible and can serve as an eco-friendly alternative to wood pulp in paper production. Implementing this solution could reduce deforestation and textile waste while promoting sustainability. Further research is recommended to refine processing techniques, improve paper quality, and explore large-scale applications. Keywords: Fabric Waste, Alkali Treatment, Paper, feasibility, Cellulose Fibers.