Novel co-wet-spun Chitosan/Poly yarns

"The effects of laundry detergent actives on overall garment/fabric care and integrity"

The textile industry is the second most polluting industry in the world, and this has been exacerbated by a trend towards fast fashion and industrialisation of emerging economies which has led to a doubling in clothing production between 2000-2014. European Environment Agency data concludes that UK households typically spend 5% of household income on clothing. Data published by WRAP concludes than a nine-month extension of a garment lifetime reduces carbon, water and waste footprints by around 20-30% each. Laundering is a significant cause of textile integrity loss, with dimensional stability (shape retention), dye fading and mechanical damage implicated as important drivers. We therefore have a significant opportunity to improve sustainability, household finances, and consumer satisfaction by developing strategies to slow down the ageing of clothes.
The purpose of this project is to understand the mechanisms behind improving textile care and potentially formulate novel strategies to drive delight in fabric care.