The light fantastic: Laser technology for textile surface coloration and patterning

Morgan, Laura; Shen, Jinsong; Kane, Faith; Tyrer, John

Abstract

The consumption of water and energy used in current dyeing and finishing processes in the textile industry poses significant environmental concern. By offering alternative solutions to traditional textile wet processing through dry laser technology, there is potential to increase environmental sustainability. A recent collaboration explored new sustainable creative opportunities for textile coloration and surface design using laser technologies.

Textile design research into laser technology resulted in the development of four innovative digitally-driven surface treatments for colouration, 3D finishing and surface design of materials. Each of the digitally controlled laser techniques deliver targeted, accurate, non-contact processing. Offering a unique aesthetic and short-run production capabilities, the laser allows designs to be applied on finished textile products and garments. The methods offered alternative agile solutions to textile wet processing focused on improving the sustainability of textile materials processing via:
• Efficiency: through waste and resource reduction (reducing water, energy and dye consumption),
• Agility: through digital and on-demand production systems,
• Circularity: by facilitating design for material recovery.

This work was undertaken through the LEBIOTEX collaborative project (Laser Enhanced Biotechnology for Textile Design), 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.

Citation

Morgan, L., Shen, J., Kane, F., & Tyrer, J. The light fantastic: Laser technology for textile surface coloration and patterning. [Textile]. Exhibited at UK Pavillion, Dubai, UAE. 21 October 2021 - 23 October 2021. (Unpublished)

• Exhibition Performance Type: Exhibition
• Start Date: Oct 21, 2021
• End Date: Oct 23, 2021
• Deposit Date: Oct 26, 2021
• Keywords: Laser; textile; sustainable design
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/8032832
• Additional Information: Expo 2020 Dubai (United Arab Emirates) is the first World Expo to take place in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region. The theme ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’ is about the power of collaboration and partnership to create a better world. Expo 2020 Dubai aspires to create a meaningful legacy that will benefit generations to come, both locally and globally.; ; WHAT WILL WE WEAR? A growing body of research has shown the social and environmental impact posed by the clothing industry. Some of the most influential minds from all corners of the fashion and retail world will come together to explore how an industry that relies on consumption and novelty can become sustainable whilst remaining commercial. Exploring how technology, social change and the climate crisis will shape fashion in the future: They will consider how technology is transforming the way clothes are designed and sourced and how consumer habits need to change to safeguard our future.; ; Global questions the programme will explore include: Do we really care about who makes our clothes? Can we deliver a circular business model for fashion? ; How do we ensure that the clothes of the future are ethically sourced and created? ; What will the consumer want from their clothing in the future? ; What impact will technology have on the future of fashion?; ; From 22 – 23 October, 2021 as part of the ‘What Will We Wear?’ programme, the ‘Future of Textiles’ exhibition curated by De Montfort University will feature technology, interactive displays and digital content enabling visitors to discover exciting developments within the textiles industry. The exhibition will be held at the UK Pavilion during Expo 2020 Dubai. ; ; Dr Laura Morgan will be exhibiting a collection of textile samples and supporting information that showcase a range of laser-based techniques for sustainable coloration, design and 3D finishing of textiles, developed as part of the AHRC funded Laser Enhanced Biotechnology for Textile Design (LEBIOTEX) project (AH/J002666/1).