ARC Hub aims to boost sustainable fibre manufacturing in Australia

02 Sep '23

1 min read

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Insights

ARC has launched a Research Hub for Functional and Sustainable Fibres.
Led by Deakin University and involving 16 other organisations, it aims to advance fibre technologies, focusing on sustainability, circular economies and functionality.
It plans to invest $5 million over 5 years to reduce the use of petroleum-based materials and lower environmental impact.

The Australian Research Council (ARC) unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to promote sustainable manufacturing in the fibre materials sector. The ARC Research Hub for Functional and Sustainable Fibres was launched by chief research officer professor Christina Twomey, in partnership with 16 domestic and international organisations.

The hub aims to explore three core research themes: Sustainability, Circular Economies, and Extraordinary Functionality. It is spearheaded by Deakin University and intends to meet the growing Australian consumer and industrial needs for advanced fibre technologies, including recycling and repurposing textile waste, the ARC said in a media release.

Professor Twomey stated that this effort is “fundamental to increasing collaboration between Australia's most innovative researchers and vital industries.” She added, “This new ARC Research Hub will strengthen productivity and competitiveness of the advanced manufacturing sector and will place Australia at the forefront of a global shift towards functional and sustainable materials.”

The ARC has committed to investing $5 million over the next five years under its Industrial Transformation Research Program. One of the immediate objectives is to decrease the industry's reliance on petroleum-derived materials and to minimise the environmental footprint of supply chains.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD)

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