Lasers and biotech for sustainable design

Chemicals are routinely used in traditional dyeing, bleaching, printing and fabric-finishing techniques, which use large amounts of water and energy. De Monfort University (DMU) in Leicester and Loughborough University in Leicestershire, U.K., have recently launched research on using laser and enzyme processing technologies to color and pattern fabrics more sustainably. Postgraduate students from each university will apply the two techniques, using enzymes for color and 3-D pattern design effects, and lasers (both before and after enzyme treatment) to enhance the results. Initial work will target specific fibers. Substantial funding of over £200,000 has been received from the Arts and Humanities Research Council; Speedo, Camira Fabrics and Teresa Green Design are also supporting the project. The research is scheduled for completion in 2015.