Environmental Risk Assessment of Textile Waste from Bio-Engineered Fibers in the Fashion Industry

Author

Aayush Pankaj AgarwalFollow
Harshit SoralFollow
Irmak AktanFollow
Karol Montserrat Gonzalez SaadFollow
Maria Daniela Saa EspinosaFollow
Sheetal Suhas DhanukaFollow
Yi YangFollow

Completion Date

Fall 12-5-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Program or Discipline Name

Project Management

First Advisor

Dr. Sarah Dyson

Abstract

The global fashion industry generates over 92 million tons of textile waste annually, a figure projected to increase significantly by 2030. Bio-engineered fibers, including bacterial cellulose, mycelium-based leather, and recombinant protein textiles emerge as sustainable alternatives to conventional fibers. Despite their promise, recent evidence suggests that these fibers may pose environmental risks at the end-of-life stage, such as incomplete biodegradation in landfills, microfiber shedding, and chemical leaching from dyes and coatings. The purpose of this study is to examine how these risks are represented through scientific literature, corporate sustainability reports, and policy frameworks, and to identify strategies for integrating risk management into sustainability-focused project planning. Guided by Environmental Risk Perception Theory and Framing Theory, the qualitative study employs document-based content analysis of sources drawn from scientific, industry, and regulatory domains. Coding and thematic analysis are supported by Python and R, with results synthesized into a risk assessment matrix aligned with the PMBOK. The study is limited to North America and Europe and focuses on post-consumer disposal rather than production or use-phase impacts. Findings are expected to provide project managers with practical tools for assessing risks, improving stakeholder communication, and aligning sustainability claims with real disposal outcomes. This research contributes to both academic understanding of environmental risk communication and practical applications for project management in sustainable innovation.

Recommended Citation

Agarwal, A. P., Soral, H., Aktan, I., Montserrat Gonzalez Saad, K., Saa Espinosa, M. D., Suhas Dhanuka, S., & Yang, Y. (2025). Environmental Risk Assessment of Textile Waste from Bio-Engineered Fibers in the Fashion Industry. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.harrisburgu.edu/dandt/83