Transient Fashion: A Transdisciplinary Framework For Developing Casein-Based Materials Within A Regenerative Textile Economy

As the global population continues to grow and consumer trends favour disposable goods, there is mounting pressure on the world’s resources and a concerning surge in waste production. This issue is acutely evident in fashion and textiles, where the phenomenon of ‘fast fashion’ has driven demand to unprecedented levels. Sustainable practices within the Fashion and Textile Industry (FTI) often focus on implementing a circular economy model to minimise waste by maximising resource utilisation. However, existing solutions tend to address isolated aspects of the supply chain, such as the switch to recycled materials. At the same time, critical elements like chemical processing and textile dyes remain largely unexamined as part of a holistic design and manufacturing process.

The intricate nature of these challenges underscores their interconnectivity. To address these complexities, this thesis advocates for a regenerative approach that explores the potential of food waste streams as a commercially viable and circular source of raw materials for the FTI. This study utilises a transdisciplinary methodology that converges textile design, green chemistry and archive data to investigate the feasibility of creating regenerated casein fibres from dairy industry waste. This investigation is carried out through a multifaceted approach, encompassing both laboratory-based experimentation and studio-based material and garment development. By leveraging the synergies of transdisciplinary practice, this research seeks to disrupt the prevailing paradigm of mass-produced fashion and contribute to a regenerative future for the FTI.