Textile Chemistry Group Meeting Held

Professor Ali opened the meeting by welcoming participants and emphasizing the role of shared knowledge in driving research. He underscored that emerging eco-friendly solutions and cross-disciplinary cooperation are essential for reducing environmental impact and promoting circularity within the textile sector.

The day-long program featured an array of presentations covering recycling practices, bio-based materials, functional coatings, and novel coloration techniques—reflecting the breadth of sustainability-focused work underway within the group.

One of the key themes of the meeting was the advancement of bio-based and functional materials. PhD scholar Babak Abdi presented promising research on developing bio-based coatings capable of providing electrical conductivity to cellulosic fabrics—an innovation with potential applications in smart textiles.

Color removal and recycling technologies were also in the spotlight. Under the TexirC Project, PhD scholar Shubhajit Dutta outlined new methods to efficiently strip reactive dyes from textile waste. Complementing this effort, Master’s thesis worker Elsa Vuorenmaa studied color stripping on reactive-dyed cotton, while summer intern Jacquin Floriane investigated processes for stripping dyes from vat-dyed fabrics.

PhD scholar Esubalew Kasaw introduced eco-friendly approaches to hydrophobization through biobased surface treatments, contributing to the development of water-repellent textiles without harmful chemicals. Meanwhile, Master’s thesis worker Lotta Loikkanen presented innovative coloration techniques using bio-based dyes as alternatives to synthetic pigments.

Circularity and recycling processes were another focal point, highlighted by postdoctoral researcher Md. Reazuddin Repon, who shared progress from the EU-funded BIOSUSTEX Project. His work involves developing advanced methods for removing color and elastane from post-consumer cellulose, enabling improved recycling efficiency.

In the domain of sustainable fibers, PhD scholar Olamide Badara discussed the creation of nonwoven materials made from environmentally friendly fibers. Similarly, PhD scholar Tonmoy Saha introduced chemical processing techniques aimed at enhancing recycling outcomes for textile fibers.

Expanding the scope of sustainability, PhD scholar Ritesh Sharma showcased ways to valorize agricultural waste by transforming it into functional treatments for cellulosic textiles. Additionally, PhD scholar Vafa Fakhri presented progress in designing multifunctional bio-based textiles that combine performance and sustainability.

Concluding the meeting, Professor Ali praised the participants for their achievements and highlighted the diverse range of innovative approaches addressing urgent environmental challenges in the textile industry. He noted that the group’s collective work is pushing the boundaries of circularity, expanding the use of bio-based solutions, and reducing ecological impact across the textile value chain.

Following the scientific program, participants gathered for a warm and festive winter lunch, offering an opportunity to connect informally and celebrate the year's accomplishments. The day concluded with a friendly bowling session.