Future Fibres Lab

The Future Fibres Laboratory is a research and industry development platform for interdisciplinary research focusing on the processing of fibres, functionalisation and product development to promote the sustainable fibre processing industry in New Zealand.

Our research focuses on New Zealand plant fibres and transforming them into high-performance materials for high-technology applications, for instance supercapacitors and smart textiles.

The importance of natural fibre research can't be overstated. Climate change and the depletion of fossil fuel-based resources means natural fibres will play a significant role in a sustainable future.

About our work

• Investigating the potential uses of New Zealand plant fibres like harakeke (NZ flax) and industrial hemp as high-tech materials to substitute non-renewable resources
• Inspired to find solutions to long-term complex industry problems
• Involved with natural plant fibres and animal fibres, including harakeke, hemp and wool
• Economic and environmental benefits, including more sustainable manufacturing processes, longer lasting products and job creation
• Emphasis on collaboration with industry partners, including Māori partners, local and international collaborators as well as government agencies