PhD Studentship: Developing a Framework for Assessing Biodegradability in Fashion and Textiles: Towards Transparent Standards and Sustainable Practices

The 3.5-year project is fully funded by the School of Natural Sciences; the successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26) and tuition fees will be paid. This funding is for home students only. We expect the stipend to increase each year. The project will start in October 2025.

The fashion and textile industries are facing mounting pressure to adopt sustainable practices and address the environmental impacts of waste disposal. A growing interest in biodegradable products has emerged as a potential solution, particularly in tackling the vast amount of textile waste that accumulates annually. However, despite the increasing popularity of biodegradability as a concept, there is currently no standardised methodology or consistent industry reporting on how biodegradability is defined, measured, and communicated. 

This project seeks to address the gap in established methods for evaluating and communicating the biodegradability of textiles. The lack of clarity and uniformity has resulted in widespread “greenwashing,” with brands and manufacturers making misleading claims about the biodegradability of their products. Without clear guidelines, it is challenging for consumers, businesses, and regulators to assess the authenticity of these claims. Additionally, while some novel textile innovations claim to be biodegradable, little research exists on how these materials perform in real-world conditions, and whether they biodegrade in the same way as conventional textiles. This requires a comprehensive evaluation of these claims, including comparisons with traditional fabrics, to fully understand their environmental impact. 

Additionally, the role of textile processing methods, dyes, and chemicals in influencing biodegradability remains largely unexplored. Commonly used chemicals and dyes in textile production could potentially inhibit the biodegradation process, raising questions about their long-term environmental footprint. As such, understanding how standard production practices impact biodegradability is essential for creating more sustainable textile alternatives. 

This research aims to develop a robust framework for measuring biodegradability, exploring different types of biodegradation and determining whether certain textiles can biodegrade effectively in domestic composting conditions, or whether specialised facilities are required. A key part of this project will be to investigate public understanding of biodegradation and consumer willingness to adopt biodegradable textiles. Consumer perceptions are crucial, as the demand for sustainable clothing options may be influenced by how well the benefits of biodegradability are communicated. 

A further output of the project is the proposal a standardised certification system that could be used to mark textiles that meet a rigorous, scientifically-backed biodegradability criterion. This certification could help differentiate genuinely sustainable textiles from those making unverified claims, fostering greater transparency in the industry and enabling consumers to make informed choices. 

A minimum of 2:1 honour degree, preferably first class.

Subject background ideally in but not limited to:

• Textile science 
• Textile / garment manufacturing 
• (Bio) Chemistry 

To apply, please contact the supervisors: Dr Jane Wood - jane.wood-2@manchester.ac.uk and Dr Henninger - claudia.henninger@manchester.ac.uk. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project. 

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