The Circular Economy Approach to Dealing with Burdensome Waste from Poultry Industry

Piotr Kacorzyk, Jacek Strojny, Michał Niewiadomski (), Paulina Supel, Paweł Kaszycki, Ishrat-E-Anwar Brishty, Agnieszka Józefowska, Krystyna Wrześniewska-Tosik, Tomasz Kowalewski, Michalina Pałczyńska and Damian Walisiak
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Piotr Kacorzyk: Department of Agroecology and Plant Production, Faculty of Agriculture and Economics, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Mickiewicza 21, 31-120 Krakow, Poland
Jacek Strojny: Department of Statistics and Social Policy, Faculty of Agriculture and Economics, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Mickiewicza 21, 31-120 Krakow, Poland
Michał Niewiadomski: Podhale Center for Economic Sciences, University of Applied Sciences in Nowy Targ, Kokoszków 71, 34-400 Nowy Targ, Poland
Paulina Supel: Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Horticulture, University of Agriculture in Kraków, Al. Mickiewicza 21, 31-120 Krakow, Poland
Paweł Kaszycki: Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Horticulture, University of Agriculture in Kraków, Al. Mickiewicza 21, 31-120 Krakow, Poland
Ishrat-E-Anwar Brishty: Department of Soil Science and Agrophysics, Faculty of Agriculture and Economics, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Mickiewicza 21, 31-120 Krakow, Poland
Agnieszka Józefowska: Department of Soil Science and Agrophysics, Faculty of Agriculture and Economics, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Mickiewicza 21, 31-120 Krakow, Poland
Krystyna Wrześniewska-Tosik: ŁUKASIEWICZ Research Network—Lodz Institute of Technology, ul. Skłodowskiej-Curie 19/27, 90-570 Łódź, Poland
Tomasz Kowalewski: ŁUKASIEWICZ Research Network—Lodz Institute of Technology, ul. Skłodowskiej-Curie 19/27, 90-570 Łódź, Poland
Michalina Pałczyńska: ŁUKASIEWICZ Research Network—Lodz Institute of Technology, ul. Skłodowskiej-Curie 19/27, 90-570 Łódź, Poland
Damian Walisiak: ŁUKASIEWICZ Research Network—Lodz Institute of Technology, ul. Skłodowskiej-Curie 19/27, 90-570 Łódź, Poland

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 13, 1-21

Abstract: This study applies the concept of the circular economy by using poultry feather waste to produce biodegradable geotextiles for environmental applications. The main goal was to assess their biodegradability, effect on soil properties, and usefulness in supporting plant growth. Three types of feather-based nonwoven fabrics were manufactured using a needle-punching method and tested under laboratory and field conditions over a 23-month period. Laboratory tests confirmed high biodegradability: Nonwoven I and III lost over 91% of their mass within 24 weeks. In field trials, plots covered with biodegradable geotextiles showed up to 266% more seedlings compared to bare soil, and plant height increased by 90% on average. The materials also improved soil moisture retention and supported microbial activity. After use, the nonwovens did not require removal and decomposed naturally, enriching the soil. The results demonstrate that feather-based geotextiles are a sustainable, effective, and locally available solution for soil protection and vegetation in difficult terrain.

Keywords: geotextiles; soil formation; plant growth stimulation; circular economy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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