University of Leeds
The fabric of society: using textiles to tackle questions of industry, healthcare and sustainability
The Leeds Institute of Textiles and Colour develops sustainable materials and processes, supported by one of the most extensively equipped research facilities in the world.
It tackles the challenges of waste recycling, microplastics and carbon emissions in a growing international fashion and textile industry whose environmental impacts face an ever-brighter global spotlight. Based at the University of Leeds, the Institute’s work spreads far beyond traditional fabrics for clothing, with textile materials playing an important role in fields as diverse as healthcare, filtration and smart composites. In these areas and more, the Institute is creating new technologies and helping businesses remain competitive.
Textiles have underpinned Yorkshire’s regional economy for centuries. 150 years ago, as UK trade faced growing competition from overseas, the industry’s support was critical to establishing the Yorkshire College of Science, founded in the conviction that innovation and scientific training were key to maintaining a competitive edge.
Industry shaped its early work, focusing on textile design, manufacturing and training of skilled leaders for its factories. As the burgeoning college grew into the University of Leeds, a department for textile education and research transformed into a centre of applied science. Its impact spread well beyond its own discipline, contributing to remarkable scientific advances in X-ray diffraction, the discovery of DNA and the emergent field of molecular biology.
Over those 150 years, research focusing on wool science and early man-made fibres evolved into an internationally leading centre developing new polymers and dye chemistries, manufacturing processes, testing methods and digital tools, responding to the needs of industry and the challenges of sustainability.
In doing so, today’s Institute holds true to those founding Victorian principles. The Institute continues to support businesses by pioneering the advances that help them succeed, developing their personnel, driving innovation and generating economic benefit in a region where textiles remain a cornerstone of commerce.