About the Project
The global textile and fashion industry is one of the most environmentally impactful sectors, with significant contributions to water pollution, carbon emissions, and resource depletion.
Textile wet processing, particularly dyeing, is responsible for substantial environmental damage due to the extensive use of synthetic dyes and high thermal energy demand. It is estimated that textile dyeing contributes to nearly 20% of global water pollution, while the required process heat is predominantly generated using fossil fuels.
This PhD project aims to develop and scale innovative solar-driven textile dyeing technologies to significantly reduce the environmental footprint of textile manufacturing. Building on recent breakthroughs, the project will utilise solar thermal energy to heat water up to ~90°C for dyeing and pre-treatment operations, replacing conventional fossil fuelbased heating systems. In addition, the research will explore the integration of natural dyes and bio-derived fabrics to further minimise chemical pollution and enhance sustainability.
The textile dyeing process is highly energy-intensive, requiring substantial thermal input in the form of hot water and steam. Solar thermal integration has the potential to supply approximately 20–50% of total energy demand and up to 60–70% of dyeing heat requirements under optimal conditions. When combined with process optimisation strategies such as heat recovery and low-liquor dyeing technologies, overall energy savings of 40–60% can be achieved. This approach offers a transformative pathway for decarbonising textile manufacturing while reducing water contamination.
The PhD will focus on the design, optimisation, and experimental validation of solar assisted dyeing systems, including the development of scalable solutions for industrial implementation. The successful candidate will investigate process integration, thermal efficiency, material compatibility, and the performance of solar-heated dyeing systems using natural dyes and sustainable textile substrates.
Host Institution
The project will be hosted at Loughborough University, one of the UK’s leading research intensive universities, consistently ranked among the top institutions for engineering and technology. The research will be based within the Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering, which is internationally recognised for excellence in sustainable manufacturing, renewable energy, and advanced materials. The project will benefit from the expertise and facilities of the Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology at Loughborough University a leading UK research centre specialising in renewable energy integration, solar technologies, and energy systems innovation. The collaboration between textile engineering and renewable energy research provides a unique interdisciplinary environment for impactful research.
Research Training and Skills Development
The PhD student will gain expertise in:
- Solar thermal systems and renewable energy integration
- Textile wet processing and dyeing technologies
- Sustainable and natural dye systems
- Thermal process optimisation and heat transfer
- Energy efficiency and decarbonisation strategies
- Experimental design and performance evaluation of industrial processes
Research Environment and Collaboration
The research is closely aligned with activities within the Textiles Circularity Centre and builds upon previous UKRI-funded programmes in circular textile manufacturing. The student will benefit from strong interdisciplinary collaboration across energy systems, materials engineering, and textile innovation, as well as opportunities for engagement with industrial partners in the textile and fashion sectors.
Future Career Prospects
This PhD will provide highly valuable training for careers in:
- Sustainable textiles and fashion innovation
- Renewable energy and industrial decarbonisation
- Clean technology development and deployment
- Sustainable manufacturing and circular economy sectors
- Academic and industrial research in energy and materials
94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021
Supervisors
- Primary supervisor: Dr Sameer Rahatekar Email: S.S.Rahatekar@lboro.ac.uk
- Secondary supervisor: Dr Richard Blanchard
Entry requirements
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in Science, Technology, Environmental/Energy Science or fashion/textiles related subjects.
A relevant master’s degree and/or experience will be an advantage.
English language requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.
Tuition fees for 2026-27 entry
- UK fee - £5,238 Full-time degree per annum
- International fee - £29,500 Full-time degree per annum
Bench fees of £2500 are applicable.
How to apply
All applications should be made online. Under Campus, please select Loughborough and select Programme "Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering’. Please quote the advertised reference number ‘SF-SR-2026-1’ under the finance section in your application.
Applications must include a personal statement, up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV), details of two referees (one from your highest degree qualification), certified certificates and transcripts for all completed degree programmes, and a reference to the project ‘SF-SR-2026-1’.
To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents.
This is a Preview Listing…
You must sign in to see the full job description, and to apply.
Manage / Upgrade this job to a Full Job Listing.
Find Your Best Opportunity
Tell them AcademicJobs.com sent you!