Abstract
In recent years, the textile industry has experienced significant growth with the popularization of the fast fashion model. However, this growth has been accompanied by increased environmental impacts associated with the sector, particularly regarding the choice of raw materials used in fabric production. The most widely available fibers in the textile market are cotton and polyester, which generate serious ecological issues during their processing. At the same time, environmental disasters, the growing number of environmentally conscious consumers, and sustainability debates have encouraged many companies to adopt circular economy practices. Several industries discard large amounts of protein-rich waste, which possess structural properties suitable for conversion into textile fibers. Utilizing these proteins in the textile industry could improve the sector's ecological profile, enabling the production of sustainable, biodegradable, and low-cost fabrics. Therefore, this review explores and analyzes the processing of regenerated protein fibers derived from these waste materials, comparing them with those already available in the textile market, such as wool and silk. Additionally, it seeks to investigate the challenges faced during the production of these fibers, such as the need for treatments with toxic substances to enhance their mechanical properties and the issues associated with protein extraction from waste materials.
