In October 2018 an Invest Northern Ireland (INI) Collaborative Growth Programme (CGP) Scoping Study was launched to bring together a network of Northern Irish business, academic partners and external experts to investigate the potential for emerging novel technologies which could be leveraged to provide niche / bespoke products from natural fibre composite materials.
Over a 12 month period, this design-led collaborative network has built on the wealth of existing knowledge of natural fibre composites introduced by external experts (Composites Evolution UK and NFCD design, Netherlands). With an initial focus on the relevance of the sustainable story associated with Northern Ireland’s flax fibre heritage the scope has been extended to hemp fibre and finally to potential future applications for wool fibre composites.
Research and development into composite materials necessitates the bringing together of disparate cultures and their disciplines and terminologies. This study begins to break down barriers between the data-driven process of engineers and the iterative design approach of textile and product developers. The knowledge transfer from experts and industry informs the merging of these areas of expertise.
Co-design is a process which acknowledges the equal value of all stakeholders. In this scoping study the mix of participants represents business, trade associations, and academia alongside independent experts. This balance was designed to ensure the potential outputs fall within the scope of possible applications for the various stakeholders.
The network workshops have promoted transparency in developing a shared understanding of key stages that constitute a hybrid production chain from fibre sourcing and selection through to final prototyping and eventual commercialisation, leading to ‘shared language’, associated with fibre cultivation through to a hybrid mix of textile materials, bio polymers and engineering processes that constitute natural fibre composite assemblies.
In particular, the network has investigated the ‘authentic story’ of flax as a truly European natural fibre, that is relatively sustainable and durable, for use in flax composite product development that enables local designers to communicate a clear message on the value and attributes of ‘Irish Linen’ to the business community, beyond fashion and household linen.
The collaborative design process has highlighted the diverse expertise that already exists within NI business and academia, overcoming both technical and cultural barriers in developing the potential for new approaches to the application of natural fibres as alternative materials, within both established textile and novel composite production chains.
As this scoping phase concludes, the network welcomes new partners to enhance the opportunity for Phase Two Collaborative Growth Programme activity including, for example, the automotive, aero, boats, furniture, interiors and musical instrument sectors.
Network Concept & Lead Co-Facilitator, DESIGN: Professor Jane McCann
Co-Facilitator, ENGINEERING: Paul Shields
Lead Company representative: Duncan Neil
Publication Content Co-ordination: Sharon Adams
Graphic Design: Christina Herdman
Project Report PDF:
