Edinburgh Napier University

  Embellishment, in a fashion and textile context, can be considered an extraneous decorative process that has a significant detrimental impact on the environment. However, aesthetic and cultural theories, in addition to consumer appeal, show that it is a worthwhile endeavour. This PhD project intends to address the ecological impact of the waste that can be caused by discarded, embellished textiles by creating a 3D printed alternative, utilising biodegradable cellulosic materials that may return to the soil as 'food'. The outputs were also tested for their strength of adhesion, in addition to their potential visual attributes. Initial findings from the research at this stage show that there is potential to develop this technique, aesthetically and structurally, for wider use within the mainstream fashion and textiles industry.