FLEXIBLE FUND

Bio-Based Sequins

Lead institution

Partners

Project Duration

Sequins are added to clothing to add sparkle to make them attractive. However, currently used sequins are made from non-biodegradable synthetic plastics, and when they are discarded in the environment, they could be a possible source of microplastic pollution.

The synthetic dyes used to colour them are toxic and therefore potentially can pollute the environment. Alternative sequins so far developed have limited stability in aqueous laundering and the manufacturing processes use toxic solvents and the process is not scalable. In this Future Fibre Network Plus-funded multidisciplinary collaborative project, the University of the Arts London will develop a sustainable manufacturing process for cellulose-based sequins and the University of Exeter will measure the environmental impacts of the developed sequins by measuring their ecotoxicity. Sequinova, a London-based fashion accessory company, is the industry partner. The developed sequins not only will be sustainable but also recyclable.