From Waste to Wardrobe: Circular Bio-Textile Manufacturing for Sustainable Fashion (Ref: SF-SR-2026-2)

About the project

About the Project The global textile industry faces major environmental challenges associated with textile waste generation, microplastic pollution, excessive water consumption, and the widespread use of petroleum-derived synthetic fibres and toxic dyes. Transitioning toward a circular bioeconomy requires the development of sustainable textile manufacturing technologies capable of converting waste materials into high-value textile products through environmentally responsible processing routes. This PhD project will focus on the development of closed-loop circular bio-textile manufacturing systems using waste-derived bacterial cellulose, regenerated cellulose fibres, and natural dye technologies for sustainable fashion applications. The research will build upon internationally recognised expertise in bacterial cellulose production, wet fibre spinning, sustainable fibre manufacturing, and circular textile technologies. A major objective of the project is to develop processes for converting mixed textile, agricultural, and municipal waste streams into bacterial cellulose through microbial fermentation routes. The bacterial cellulose produced will subsequently be processed into regenerated fibres and textile structures using environmentally benign wet fibre spinning technologies. The project will investigate how waste-derived cellulose feedstocks can be transformed into high-performance fibres with tailored morphology, mechanical properties, and textile functionality. A further key aspect of the project will involve the development of sustainable coloration technologies using natural dyes such as curcumin and plant-derived pigments integrated directly into the fibre spinning process through dope dyeing and microsphere-assisted encapsulation techniques. These approaches aim to eliminate conventional water-intensive and chemically hazardous textile dyeing processes while improving dye retention and colour durability in regenerated fibres. The PhD research will combine experimental work in textile waste valorisation, wet fibre spinning, natural dye integration, and advanced fibre characterisation. The student will gain expertise in fibre processing and analysis using techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), FTIR spectroscopy, rheology, tensile testing, thermal analysis, and optical microscopy to establish structure–property relationships in sustainable textile fibres. The PhD project will be hosted within the Loughborough University, one of the UK’s leading research-intensive universities with an outstanding international reputation for engineering, materials science, manufacturing, and design innovation. The research will be based within the Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering, which is recognised globally for excellence in advanced manufacturing, materials engineering, sustainability, and industrial collaboration. Loughborough University consistently ranks among the top UK universities for engineering and technology and is internationally recognised for its strong industry engagement and world-class research environment. The university provides excellent laboratory infrastructure and advanced research facilities supporting polymer processing, fibre manufacturing, biomaterials, microscopy, materials characterisation, and sustainable manufacturing research. The student will benefit from access to state-of-the-art wet fibre spinning equipment, advanced materials characterisation laboratories, microbiology and bioprocessing facilities, and interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities across engineering, materials, and design disciplines. During the PhD, the student will develop expertise in: Closed-loop textile recycling and circular manufacturing technologies Bacterial cellulose production from textile and agricultural waste streams Wet fibre spinning and regenerated cellulose fibre manufacturing Sustainable natural dye extraction, encapsulation, and dope dyeing technologies Fibre and textile characterisation using SEM, FTIR, rheology, thermal and mechanical analysis Environmentally benign textile processing technologies Circular bioeconomy approaches for sustainable fashion and textiles Research Environment and Collaboration The project strongly aligns with the UKRI Interdisciplinary Circular Economy Centre for Textiles programme on circular bioeconomy approaches for textile materials and will benefit from close collaboration with the Textiles Circularity Centre. Previous research from the group has demonstrated successful regeneration of cellulose fibres from textile waste streams and conversion of mixed waste into bacterial cellulose for sustainable textile manufacturing. The project will benefit from strong interdisciplinary collaborations with academic and industrial partners working in sustainable fashion, textile recycling, biomaterials, and circular manufacturing across the UK and internationally. The research is closely connected with ongoing activities within the Textiles Circularity Centre and previous UKRIfunded circular textile manufacturing programmes, providing excellent opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and industrial engagement. This PhD will provide highly valuable training for careers in: Sustainable textiles and circular fashion industries Biomaterials and cellulose manufacturing sectors Textile recycling and waste valorisation industries Sustainable manufacturing and circular economy sectors Academic and industrial research in advanced bio-based materials The project strongly aligns with global sustainability priorities focused on reducing textile waste, replacing synthetic textile processing routes, and enabling next-generation circular manufacturing systems for sustainable fashion materials. 94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021 Supervisor Primary supervisor: Dr Sameer Rahatekar Email: S.S.Rahatekar@lboro.ac.uk You can also find out more by viewing Dr Rahatekar's LinkedIn and publications . Entry requirements Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in Science, Technology or fashion/textiles related subjects. A relevant master’s degree and/or experience will be an advantage. English language requirements Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website . Tuition fees for 2026-27 entry UK fee - £5,238 Full-time degree per annum International fee - £29,500 Full-time degree per annum How to apply All applications should be made online. Under Campus, please select Loughborough and select Programme "Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering’. Please quote the advertised reference number ‘SF-SR-2026-2’ under the finance section in your application. Applications must include a personal statement, up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV), details of two referees (one from your highest degree qualification), certified certificates and transcripts for all completed degree programmes, and a reference to the project ‘SF-SR-2026-2’. To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents above. Apply now

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