What is it about?
This study shows how waste animal bones, which are usually thrown away, can be turned into a useful and environmentally friendly flame-retardant material. By extracting calcium phosphate from chicken bones, we produced a natural compound that can reduce the spread of fire when applied to fabrics or other materials. Unlike many commercial flame retardants that contain harmful chemicals, this calcium-based material is safer, cheaper, and more sustainable. Our research demonstrates that a common waste product can be transformed into something valuable that helps protect lives and reduces environmental pollution. This approach supports cleaner production, waste recycling, and greener flame-retardant solutions for future use.
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Photo by Luba Ertel on Unsplash
Why is it important?
This research introduces a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to textile flame retardancy by utilizing calcium phosphate extracted from chicken bone waste—a renewable, low-cost byproduct that is typically discarded. Unlike conventional halogen-based flame retardants that release toxic gases upon combustion, this method is non-toxic, environmentally benign, and aligns with global trends toward circular economy and sustainable materials. The work is timely because it addresses pressing concerns about environmental pollution, human safety, and the need for cost-effective alternatives in textile and polymer industries. By demonstrating both practical applicability and environmental benefits, this study could influence the adoption of green flame-retardant solutions across multiple industrial sectors, ultimately reducing hazardous chemical use and advancing sustainable manufacturing practices.
Perspectives
From my point of view, this work is particularly exciting because it combines sustainability with practical application in a way that could have real-world impact. I find it rewarding to explore solutions that not only improve material performance but also reduce environmental harm—turning waste into a valuable resource feels like a tangible step toward circular economy practices. Personally, I see this research as a bridge between laboratory innovation and industry adoption, offering an approach that is both technically feasible and socially responsible. I believe it could inspire further studies in bio-waste valorization and eco-friendly materials, and I’m hopeful that it contributes to broader discussions about sustainable engineering solutions in the textile and polymer sectors.
Dr Gurumurthy B Ramaiah
Federal TVET Institute/University, Ethiopia
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Development of eco-friendly, flame-retardant cotton fabric via coating with calcium phosphate extracted from waste chicken bones, Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management, November 2025, Springer Science + Business Media,
DOI: 10.1007/s10163-025-02412-3.
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