A project led by Paisley's university that could improve sustainability in the clothing industry has been boosted.
The collaboration between University of the West of Scotland (UWS) and Advance Clothing Solutions (ACS) is being strengthened with the addition of a funded PhD student.
The partnership – which resulted in the development of a patented sanitisation chamber that effectively decontaminates used clothing, accessories and PPE – will now benefit from the research skills of a PhD student, who will work on digitising ACS’s operational systems to incorporate the new technology.
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The research, which is believed to be the first of its kind in the textile development industry, will result in isolating areas of low efficiency to improve productivity and the potential for recycling, ultimately enhancing the company’s future capacity while lowering emissions.
Dr Mohammed Yaseen, UWS School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences which is based in Paisley, said: “This is a really important stage of the project and will ensure ACS’s operational systems are future-proofed and fully equipped to work seamlessly with the technology.
"We are thrilled to have the dedicated skills of a PhD student to help with this important work.”
Mohamed Mustafa successfully applied for the PhD and will use the latest technologies in factory simulation to digitise ACS’s operational system, which will enable the experimentation and validation of product, process and system design.
Mr Mustafa said: “I’m very grateful for the opportunity to study a fully funded PhD at UWS.
"I’m excited to be working on this fantastic project with ACS and I look forward to using my skills to help digitise and streamline their operational systems.”
The factory simulation will include sustainability dimensions of the operational system to assist ACS towards their goal of zero emissions before 2030, and will include measures such as recycling used water.
Anthony Burns, ACS chief operating officer, added: “Our joint research with UWS helps ACS optimise every aspect of our production system lifecycle, from conceptual design to checking capacity, determining lead times, modelling “what-if” scenarios, and comparing alternative machine layouts and workflows.
"But more importantly it will help us better understand, and improve, the sustainability of our business operations and help us deliver Net-Zero.
"This project signifies another major evolutionary step in our relationship with UWS."
The simulation model, which will be owned by UWS, will be used to aid ongoing long-term efforts to improve ACS’s processes and services by improving sustainability, minimising cost, reducing waste, and increasing quality.
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