Sustainability

The Wilson College of Textiles integrates sustainability in all that we do to improve our society and protect the environment. By our actions, we demonstrate leadership in meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Sustainability is one of the college’s three strategic priorities, as well as one of the five core values.

Making Progress Towards a Zero-Waste Workplace

Thanks to our Sustainability Committee, composting bins are now available as an alternative waste management method throughout the college. It’s part of a larger NC State initiative to establish the university as a Zero Waste Workplace.

A photo of two bins placed next to each other in the corner of a Wilson College of Textiles bathroom. One is a waste bin and is gray. One (right) is a green bin and is for composting. Both have signage above them explaining what items to place in each type of bin.

Textiles Sustainability Experience

Wilson College Faculty Research by UN Sustainable Development Goal

Sustainability at NC State

NC State Sustainable Development Goals Course Inventory

NC State Textile Waste Research Paves Way for Greener Textile Future

Ph.D. student Siyan Wang’s breakthrough research on cotton fiber fragments earned a prestigious spot on the front cover of Cellulose journal. See how her research is changing the game for textile recycling.

Sonja Salmon (left) and Siyan Wang (right) stand in the lab with lab coats and protective glasses. Salmon holds fabric samples and Wang holds two bottles of solution with some fabric fragments visible.

Taking a Systems Approach to Sustainability Research at NC State

Professor Karen Leonas prides herself in actionable research that is ready for real-world applications.

Ahmed El-Shafei stands to left of a machine in the Pilot Plant.

Wilson College of Textiles Professor is NC State’s Innovator of the Year

Professor Ahmed El-Shafei’s patented dyeing technology takes a meaningful step towards a greener textile industry.

Jake Papazekos leans on sign reading "Textiles Complex" in graduation gown and attire.

Jake Papazekos ’23: Molding the Textiles Industry at Simplifyber

Jake Papazekos, a recent graduate of the polymer and color chemistry program, shares his journey from Wilson College of Textiles student to material researcher at Raleigh-based nonwovens startup Simplifyber.