Electronic devices are ubiquitous in modern human life. Miniaturization evolved as one of the key factors in improving the performance of our devices. Miniaturized electronics consume less power and have high portability, leading to extensive use in personal electronics and sensor networks. Versatile smart and wearable electronic systems are being combined with the internet of things (IoT) and artificial intelligence. These next-generation devices are currently being incorporated into various aspects of daily life, including sports, entertainment, lifestyle, defense, and more. The demand for wearable electronics is increasing and contributes to the generation of large electronic waste. Around 54 million metric tons of electronic waste was generated globally in 2019. (1−6) The maintenance, replacement, and the limited lifetime of these electronics remain challenging for waste management.

Recently, electronic textiles (e-textiles), also known as “smart textiles”, emerged as an attractive wearable electronic due to their softness, flexibility, and comfort. (7−14) These e-textiles are designed and constructed with electronic components integrated into the fabric. (15,16) They are often used for functional purposes such as heating, (17) sensing, (18) and communication. (3,19) Durability and sustainability are the immense obstacles to e-textiles’ success, despite their potential as wearables. (20) Traditionally, textile production has been one of the largest waste generators, and incorporating electronic components will increase the amount of electronic waste. This waste will need to be recycled, managed, and mitigated. The challenge of recycling the e-textiles lies in the complexity of their materials and components. The electronic components used with e-textiles often contain hazardous materials such as heavy metals and halogenated organic compounds, which can be harmful to the environment if not properly handled. (21−23) Additionally, there is limited infrastructure for recycling e-textiles as most traditional recycling facilities are not equipped to handle the complex materials and contaminants present in these products. Recycling e-textiles is also a complex and labor-intensive process, making it more expensive than traditional textile recycling. (24) Further, e-textiles may contain personal information and data, making it essential to ensure the secure destruction of these data during recycling. To overcome these challenges, specialized facilities, processes, and expertise are required to ensure the safe and effective handling of materials in e-textiles during the recycling process. This is an area of research and development that is currently being actively pursued by organizations in the e-textile and wearable technology communities...

...Developing more sustainable and environmentally friendly materials for electronics can reduce the level of electronic waste significantly. Organic materials are attractive due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability for e-textiles. Cellulosic biopolymers are primarily extracted from plants and trees and widely applied in a number of different e-textile applications. Cellulose extracted from the bast plant is stronger and comparable to the synthetic fiber counterparts. (25) Hemp fiber is derived from the hemp plant stem (Cannabis sativa) and is known for its strength. Hemp’s septic properties, high absorbency, UV radiation protection, and nonallergenic properties set it apart from other fibers. (26−28)...