Journal of Natural Fibers

Value-Added Applications of Lignocellulosic Fibers in Textiles and Composite Industries for Circular Economy and Environmental Sustainability

Lignocellulosic fibers, derived from abundant biomass resources such as plants, wood, vegetables, and agricultural residues, represent one of the most sustainable materials available on the planet. Their unique composition, primarily cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, provides a balance of strength, biodegradability, and low density that is highly attractive for industrial use. As global awareness surrounding environmental degradation, resource depletion, and waste accumulation continues to grow, these naturally sourced fibers have gained considerable attention in both textile and composite manufacturing sectors. Their renewable origin and capacity for functionalization position them as promising alternatives to fossil-derived synthetic fibers. At the same time, advancements in fiber extraction, surface modification, and composite processing have significantly enhanced their performance characteristics. Within the emerging framework of a circular economy, lignocellulosic fibers play a vital role in enabling waste valorization, reducing carbon emissions, and supporting sustainable material flows, making them central to future-oriented green manufacturing strategies.

The growing importance of lignocellulosic fibers stems from their potential to address major environmental and economic challenges associated with conventional synthetic materials. Petrochemical‑based fibers contribute heavily to global carbon emissions, microplastic contamination, and long‑term ecological harm. In contrast, lignocellulosic fibers are biodegradable, renewable, and often sourced from low‑value or discarded agricultural by‑products, thereby promoting efficient resource utilization and reducing waste. Their integration into textile and composite industries aligns closely with global sustainability agendas focused on climate mitigation, responsible consumption, and the transition toward resource‑efficient production systems. Additionally, value chain development around biomass resources supports rural livelihoods and promotes bio‑based economic growth. Technological advancements—particularly in fiber surface treatments, compatibilization strategies, and hybrid composite design—have expanded their suitability for high‑performance applications. Consequently, widespread adoption of these fibers is essential for achieving circularity, minimizing environmental impacts, and driving innovation in sustainable product development.

This Article Collection highlights emerging innovations and value‑added applications of lignocellulosic fibers within the textile and composite industries, emphasizing their role in supporting circular economy models and advancing environmental sustainability. The Collection welcomes original research articles, comprehensive reviews, and brief reports that explore recent trends, scientific breakthroughs, and industrial advancements in lignocellulosic fiber utilization. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Sustainable processing and surface modification of lignocellulosic fibers
• Sustainable processing routes for textile and apparel applications
• Textile manufacturing processes such as spinning, weaving, knitting, wet processing, and finishing
• Functional, smart, or responsive textile and composite applications
• Synthesis, characterization, and applications of nanocellulose
• Lignocellulosic fiber reinforced polymer composites and related performance evaluation
• Circular or green composites incorporating biodegradation, recyclable, or circular polymer systems.
• Advanced or hybrid textile and composite material systems
• Sustainability assessments, including Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and carbon footprint analysis
• Valorization pathways for lignocellulosic fibers in textiles and composites
• Diverse industrial and emerging applications of lignocellulosic materials

Keywords:

1. Lignocellulosic fibers
2. Textiles
3. Composites
4. Sustainable materials
5. Biomass valorization

­­All manuscripts submitted to this Article Collection will undergo a full peer-review; the Guest Advisor for this Collection will not be handling the manuscripts (unless they are an Editorial Board member).

Please review the journal scope and author submission instructions prior to submitting a manuscript.

The deadline for submitting manuscripts is 20 January 2027.

Please contact Commissioning Editor Kara Roberts at [email protected] with any queries on discount codes regarding this Article Collection.

Please be sure to select the appropriate Article Collection from the drop-down menu in the submission system.

Dr. Subrata Chandra Das is a researcher specializing in sustainable composite and textile materials. He earned his Ph.D. from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Norway. His expertise includes natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites, hybrid composites, ageing behaviour, recycling and reuse of composites, valorization of biomass resources, and circular economy strategies of textiles and composite materials. Dr. Das has contributed to over 40 publications, including journal articles, book chapters, and conference papers. He has also served as a guest editor for special issues in international journals, and is a member of the editorial board of the Journal of Natural Fibers (Taylor & Francis).

Dr. Mubarak Ahmad Khan is a distinguished Bangladeshi scientist and former Chief Scientific Officer and Director General of the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, and former Scientific Advisor to the Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation. He specializes in sustainable materials science, polymer chemistry, and environmental technologies. His research focuses on biodegradable polymers from natural fibers, particularly jute, along with nanotechnology and biomedical materials. He has led pioneering innovations in biopolymers, including eco-friendly alternatives to plastic and waste-to-resource technologies. He has published over 700 scientific articles and holds multiple patents in sustainable materials and green technologies.

Guest Advisors do not declare any potential conflicts of interests in line with our Editorial Policies.