Project overview

Enzyme and laser processing technologies present attractive alternatives to conventional textile coloration and surface patterning methods. Both technologies have the capability to reduce the impact of manufacturing on the environment by reducing the consumption of chemicals, water and energy, and the subsequent
generation of waste.

A recent collaborative research project between De Montfort University and Loughborough University, led by Prof Jinsong Shen and Dr Faith Kane, explored new sustainable creative opportunities for textile coloration and surface design using enzyme and laser technologies.

This project was funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AH/J002666/1) and was supported by industrial project partners Camira Fabrics, Speedo and Teresa Green Design.

The application of enzyme technologies was investigated by Chetna Prajapati, Jinsong Shen and Edward Smith (Textile Engineering and Materials Research Group, School of Design) based at De Montfort University.

Laser processing was investigated by Laura Morgan, Faith Kane (Textile Design Research Group, School of the Arts) and John Tyrer (Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering) based at Loughborough University.