A Novel Application of Plastination Technique for Transforming PMMA waste and Cotton Textile Waste into Functionality-enhanced Fabric Composites

Lululemon is a global leader in athletic apparel industry, focusing on high-quality, functional, and sustainable textiles. With a commitment to environmental responsibility, the partner is targeting 75% sustainable materials by 2025 and aims to source e.g. all cotton from sustainable sources. This joint project aligns with their sustainability mission by addressing two critical challenges: the excessive use of virgin fibers and the environmental impact of textile waste. Specifically, in this MITACS research, we aim to re-purpose a post-production PMMA waste along with recycled cotton waste into a novel high-performance composite, using a custom plastination technique. Once optimized, this innovative approach is expected to create durable, eco-friendly textiles with enhanced mechanical properties potentially suitable for multiple re-purposed applications such as apparel (e.g. outerwear) and accessories (e.g. bags). The anticipated social and economic benefits include reduced dependence on virgin fibres, minimized textile waste, and a scalable solution for using recycled materials in both textile (cotton) and plastic (PMMA) industries. By extending products life cycles and creating a circular economy model, this project offers a new pathway for Lululemon to integrate sustainable material innovation that meets high-performance standards, aligning with globally increasing consumer demands for environmentally responsible products.

Faculty Supervisor:

Abbas Sadeghzadeh Milani

Student:

Partner:

Lululemon

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

The University of British Columbia - Okanagan

Program: