Science for future fashion

We know there are issues with sustainability within the fashion industry - can science help create a better future? Claire Concannon visits the Bioeconomy Science Institute in Rotorua to learn how New Zealand scientists are contributing to a massive multi-national project aimed at shaping the textile industry of tomorrow. Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more. Learn more: UPWEARS has their own research project page if you want to learn more. Learn more about how the Bioeconomy Science Institute (formally Scion) is figuring out how to make new materials and products using bio-waste products rather than fossil fuels. The rise of synthetic fibres impacted the wool industry here in New Zealand , although some entrepreneurs and weavers are making it work for them. Guests: Dr Yi Chen, Bioeconomy Science Institute , and UPWEARS Dr Robert Abbel, Bioeconomy Science Institute , and UPWEARS Sean Taylor, Bioeconomy Science Institute , and UPWEARS Louise Le Gall, Bioeconomy Science Institute , and UPWEARS Dr Kate Parker, Bioeconomy Science Institute , and UPWEARS Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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Science for future fashion is an episode from Our Changing World by RNZ.

This episode is 00:25:38 long.

This episode was published on Feb 16, 2026.

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