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This work develops an application of industrial sludge‐derived fuels (ISDF) that is based on the acceptable calorific value of pulp sludge and textile sludge. The optimal proportions of pulp sludge and textile sludge in ISDF are determined to produce the ISDF to obtain its optimal combustion efforts. Experimental results demonstrate that the calorific values of pulp sludge and textile sludge are 9.46 and 15.25 MJ kg−1, respectively, establishing the potential to be sludge‐derived fuels. Adding textile sludge increased the calorific value and flammability of ISDFs. The fibrous tissues in pulp sludge strengthened the cementing property of ISDFs. ISDFs regained 2.55–3.72% moisture after 72 h; their unit dry weight was 0.63–0.72 g cm−3; their compressive strength was 3.78–5.80 kgf cm−2; and their calorific value was 9.46–11.20 MJ kg−1. Adding 10% calcium hydroxide by weight reduced the calorific value of the ISDFs by 18.30–22.86%. The flame temperature of ISDFs in 5 min was 193.8–233.7°C. The optimal ISDF was PS70TS30. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 33: 1000–1007, 2014