Bio-based materials for home textiles: Recent advances and future research directions in functional applications, manufacturing technologies, and sustainability perspectives

The importance of bio-based materials has become a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based fibers and polymers due to increasing challenges associated with carbon emissions, microplastic pollution, and resource shortage. This review analyzes recent developments including the application of bio-based materials in home textiles, dealing with natural fibers, regenerated cellulosic fibers, bio-polymers, and hybrid bio-composites. Recent innovations in manufacturing technologies of these materials have been analyzed in this review. The major achievements in mechanical strength, comfort properties, antimicrobial activities, flame-retardant and UV protective properties, and smart functionalities have also been figured out. Findings reveal that regenerated cellulose fibers, including lyocell, offer an excellent combination of sustainability and functionality, whereas nanocellulose and biocomposites increase strength and multi-functionality. Sustainability assessment reveals that bio-based home textiles have the tendency to mitigate negative environmental impacts and increase biodegradability. However, sustainability of bio-based textiles may also be influenced by the type of technology used for manufacturing and chemicals used. Some challenges include lack of durability, costly production, moisture sensitivity, and scalability concerns. Future studies should focus on addressing these constraints using green chemistry, nanotechnology, circular economy, and artificial intelligence.