Coffee Silverskin: Unveiling a Versatile Agri-Food By-Product for Ethical Textile Coatings

In response to the growing focus on sustainability and ethical practices, there is an increasing interest in developing sustainable coated textiles with agri-food by-products as alternatives to traditional animal leather. This transition not only addresses ethical concerns but also contributes to waste reduction within the agri-food industry, fostering a more circular and sustainable approach. The coffee silverskin (CS), a by-product of the coffee processing industry, is gaining significant attention for its potential in sustainable resource optimization and value creation. This study explores the versatility of coffee silverskin as a sustainable coating material for textiles. The innovative exploration of CS as a bio-based coating material involves different residue treatment procedures and formulations to assess its suitability for coatings. The use of planetary ball milling as a pre-treatment method has resulted in a homogeneous deconstruction of the integument, yielding a uniform and soft coating. In conclusion, this study represents a significant step towards sustainable coated textiles as an ethical alternative to animal leather. By harnessing the potential of coffee silverskin, the textile industry can contribute to a more sustainable and responsible future.