Researchers at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) have been named among the best in the world for textile innovation.
The Textile Engineering and Materials (TEAM) research group was named a finalist in last month's Innovate Textiles Awards 2025.
TEAM, led by Professor Jinsong Shen the group earned its place on the international shortlist for groundbreaking work developing innovative technologies for textile coloration and enzyme-based recycling technologies for textile waste. Their work could help shift the industry towards a more circular economy.
Reaching the finals is a recognition of their growing profile in sustainable textile research.
The awards are organised by World Textile Information Network (WTiN), one of the world’s leading authorities on textile innovation and technology, the awards celebrate breakthroughs that are reshaping the global industry.
TEAM was praised for its work in tackling one of the textile industry’s most long-running issues – how to recycle blended fabrics. Mixed materials, such as wool blended with synthetic fibres, typically end up in landfill as it is hard to separate out the component materials.
Professor Shen’s team uses targeted enzyme biotechnology to gently break down fibres so they can be separated, recovered and reused.
The same process can even reclaim dye molecules from discarded textiles, offering the possibility of reusing colourants in new wool, silk and nylon products.
The research drew international attention when it was showcased at the Future Fabrics Expo 2024, where sustainability-focused designers and manufacturers described it as a potential “game-changer” for circular fashion.
Professor Shen now leads a BBSRC-funded collaboration with several major industry partners including Camira Fabrics, The Woolmark Company, Fox Brothers, Matter, Wilson Knowles, DyeRecycle and Roberts Recycling to scale up the process and explore its industrial applications.
Professor Shen said: “I am very proud of our research and the contribution we are making to textile sustainability and circularity. It is an honour to have our innovations recognised by the WTiN Innovate Textile Awards.”
Professor Mike Kagioglou, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Planning, Research and Innovation said: “Being shortlisted for such a prestigious global award is a powerful signal of the impact our researchers are making. Professor Shen and the TEAM group are helping position DMU at the forefront of sustainable textile innovation, and this recognition reinforces the vital role their work plays in shaping a more circular future for the industry.”
Posted on Tuesday 6 January 2026