Promoting R&D in Higher Education:
Interview with Prof Dr. Chenyu on Collaborative Efforts & Textile Research Center, UK.

Professor, Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Huddersfield, U.K
Associate Member of Technical Textiles Research Centre, U.K
16 February 2024 | Interview | R&D
In our exclusive interview, we met Dr. Chenyu Du online, a Professor in Biochemical Engineering in the School of Applied Sciences at the University of Huddersfield. His illustrious career trajectory involves pivotal roles in academia and industry, reflecting a profound dedication to advancing sustainable solutions in the research and development (R&D) industry.

His interdisciplinary background, coupled with his commitment to sustainability, positioned him as a driving force in textile research and development (R&D). Please read on to learn more about his research and the invaluable insights he brings to the forefront of sustainable innovation.

How do you develop research temperament amongst your students or try to impart the values of sustainability in your students?

Dr. Chenyu: We integrate the concept of sustainability into our teaching curriculum starting from the first year. Core concepts such as Sustainability, Life Cycle Analysis, Carbon Footprint, and Water Footprint are introduced to students. Recognizing that some students may initially lack familiarity with these concepts and their environmental implications, we engage them in practical exercises. For instance, we encourage students to calculate their carbon footprint for a typical university day, considering factors like transportation modes, dietary choices, and other activities. This hands-on approach facilitates real-time comprehension of sustainability principles.

Additionally, we supplement classroom learning by inviting industry experts to share insights on ongoing research and their professional experiences.

NanoTextile: It’s impressive to hear about the practical exercises you engage students in to facilitate their understanding of sustainability principles.

Could you inform us about some of the developments that are going on in the R&D sector?

Dr. Chenyu: Our research endeavors, supported by funding from the UK government and the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) encompass a diverse array of projects. These projects, funded by entities such as the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Centre (EPSRC) and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), span various domains. For example, we are actively exploring avenues for recycling textiles, plastics, and fibers. Challenges in this realm include effectively separating cellulose-based fibers from plastic-based ones and addressing associated chemical complexities.

Moreover, interdisciplinary collaboration is a hallmark of our research landscape, with contributions from fields like Computer Science utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) to map environmental impacts and traditional engineering domains. So, in a way the projects and programs are quite integrated.

There is a project on Recycling of Plastics underway at Huddersfield. Please tell us about it.

Dr. Chenyu: The ongoing project on Recycling of Plastics at Huddersfield targets the recycling of plastics integrated into textiles.

Making clothes uses tremendous resources and energy, and their end of lifecycle in landfill or incineration after hardly any usage is a huge and unnecessary waste.

Recognizing the significant environmental toll of clothing production and disposal, the problem arises not just from clothes packaging but also from plastic’s incorporation into textiles alongside natural fibres. Separating it out again from these is hugely challenging, with over 80% of the plastic used in the textiles industry not currently recycled.

Currently, just less than 20% of the plastic used by the textiles industry is being recycled, contributing to environmental degradation. Our ambition is to significantly increase the recycling rate of textile industry waste, if not achieve complete recycling. We are dedicated to uncovering innovative methods for reusing textile waste, thereby minimizing its contribution to environmental pollution.

NanoTextile: Your dedication to increasing the recycling rate of textile industry waste is truly admirable. It’s clear that your ambition is to make a substantial impact on environmental pollution through innovative methods for reusing textile waste.

Are there any promotional or outreach activities that you carry out to raise awareness regarding sustainability in the industry?

Dr. Chenyu: Yes, we undertake various outreach initiatives to raise awareness about sustainability within the industry. We actively engage undergraduate students, providing insights into our research and the available facilities. Furthermore, we host industry professionals who deliver talks on current industry trends, ongoing research initiatives, and achieved milestones. These collaborative efforts serve to foster dialogue, disseminate knowledge, and promote sustainable practices within the industry.

NanoTextile: It’s inspiring to hear about the outreach initiatives you undertake to raise awareness about sustainability within the industry. Collaborative efforts are needed in order to foster dialogue and promote sustainable practices effectively.

Are the consumers more open to buy products that are sustainable, considering they are priced slightly higher than the regular products?

Dr. Chenyu: Consumer receptivity to sustainable products varies depending on several factors. For example, in the production of biochemicals, our aim is to offer products at competitive prices compared to traditional alternatives or even products with added functionalities. In the textile sector, the value proposition lies in enhanced product functionality, durability, and longevity. Here, sustainability justifies the higher price which will be beneficial in the long run.

While sustainable products may initially command a premium, our long-term objective is to optimize production processes to offer them at more accessible price points, so that more people are open to buy. Ultimately, consumer willingness to purchase sustainable products hinges on perceived benefits and affordability.

NanoTextile: Your insights into consumer receptivity to sustainable products are enlightening. It’s evident that while sustainable products may initially command a premium, efforts to optimize production processes aim to make them more accessible to consumers must be sustained.

Do you think engaging ambassadors for promoting sustainability aids in raising awareness and how is it beneficial?

Dr. Chenyu: Yes indeed! There are a lot of high-profile celebrities involved in promotion of sustainability, including the members of the royal family as well. There are various events and conferences that they attend and help us in generating awareness for the cause. However, all of us need to work from the ground level for this instead of just talking about it. It is imperative for ambassadors to demonstrate genuine commitment to sustainable practices and lead by example. For example, if there is a celebrity who just uses his own helicopter to come all the way over at an event and then talk about sustainability, then that wouldn’t make sense at all. People will not believe it or even relate to it closely!

Tell us about your Technical Textiles Centre

Dr. Chenyu: Huddersfield has a rich history, it developed from a place specialised in dyes and chemicals and then expanded to textiles, and now we are one of the leading researchers in the field of textiles.

The Technical Textiles Research Centre at the University of Huddersfield aims to re-establish the town and region as a world leader in textiles by harnessing the newest technology and manufacturing techniques. The centre has received considerable interest from UK textile manufacturers from a wide array of applications, as well as overseas commercial and academic organisations. The focus is on high-performance technical textiles that are bespoke and of high quality. Huddersfield’s heritage as a major centre for the chemical industry is another catalyst for the research centre. The centre brings together expertise in disparate fields of science, including technical textiles, engineering, digital technology, textile processing, cellulose science, medical textiles (implantable, non-implantable, healthcare environment materials), fibre and polymer chemistry, pharmacology, surface functionalisation & material science. This group has unique expertise in chemistry related to technical textiles. Moreover, a multi-disciplinary team of University of Huddersfield’s academics, researchers and students in fields that include chemistry and engineering as well as textiles are part of this centre to foster real transdisciplinary research.

NanoTextile: Your Technical Textiles Research Centre sounds like a hub of innovation and collaboration. The multi-disciplinary approach and focus on high-performance technical textiles are admirable.

Thank you for sharing your insights and experiences with us. We appreciate your time and valuable input.
The end of interview
Dr Chen-cover

About Prof. Dr. Chenyu Du

Dr. Chenyu Du is a Professor in Biochemical Engineering in the School of Applied Sciences at the University of Huddersfield. He was awarded a BEng in Chemical Engineering from Tsinghua University, China in 2000. Then he completed his PhD in 2005 in the department of Chemical Engineering in Tsinghua University. In 2006, he moved to the University of Manchester as a Postdoctoral Research Associate working on a platform chemical production from sustainable raw materials project (funded by EPSRC). In 2009, he joined a research and development company in London contributing to the development of the 2nd generation of biofuel. In June, 2010, he was appointed as lecturer in the University of Nottingham. He has been involved in the research pertaining to the Lignocellosic Conversion to Ethanol programme (LACE programme, funded by BBSRC Sustainable Bioenergy Centre). He was responsible for developing and directing a brand-new MSc course on Sustainable Bioenergy. In January 2015, he moved to the University of Huddersfield, joining the newly established Chemical Engineering team.
This interview is part of our ongoing program, What Say The Experts, where we engage with experts in the fashion and textile industry, covering 4 topics including fashion, sustainability, manufacturing, and research and development from around the world. Through these conversations, we aim to provide valuable insights and foster a deeper understanding of the multifaceted challenges and opportunities within this dynamic field.

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