Carrington Textiles

At a glance

The connections made between advanced materials leaders within the UK are often the roots of materials chemistry innovation. However, these connections are not always made as first imagined – a maxim that was recently proven during project between KCMC’s partner, the University of Southampton, and Carrington Textiles, the largest producer of workwear fabrics in the UK.

Challenge

The discussion began when two Southampton academics approached KCMC Knowledge Transfer Manager, Ron Swart. They presented their plan of producing a range of functional electronic textiles, for clothes that can emit light and change colour, and inquired about possible industry partners.

The outcome

Acting as a broker between the academics
and industrial capabilities, KCMC secured Carrington as a partner thanks to the potential of the project in improving High-Vis jackets and safety wear. 

Leading from this first connection, KCMC then proposed another project to Carrington concerning thermo-electric textiles for clothes that can harvest energy from body heat. Carrington again took interest, and together with the University of Southampton, have co-funded a PhD studentship to explore the topic.

Timeline: 2018