Dr. Mohammadreza Naeimirad, has charted an impressive academic and professional journey in the field of polymer science and sustainable materials. His passion for research and innovation has led him across continents, contributing significantly to advancements in biodegradable polymers and sustainable textile solutions.
Dr. Mohammadreza Naeimirad’s journey reflects a profound commitment to advancing sustainable materials in the textile industry. Through his research and leadership at Senbis Polymer Innovations, he is at the forefront of developing biodegradable polymers that promise to mitigate microplastic pollution and pave the way for a more sustainable future.
Academic Pursuits and Early Career
Dr. Naeimirad’s academic foundation was laid in Iran, where he completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Isfahan University of Technology. He then pursued a Ph.D. at Empa in St. Gallen, Switzerland, under the mentorship of Rudolf Hufenus, a renowned expert in fiber melt-spinning. His doctoral research focused on fiber melt spinning, a technique pivotal in the production of synthetic fibers.
During his Ph.D., Dr. Naeimirad spent 9 months as a visiting researcher at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, USA. This experience enriched his research perspective and expanded his professional network. Upon completing his doctorate, he returned to Iran to serve as an assistant professor at Razi University, dedicating five years to academia.
Postdoctoral Research and Industry Transition
In 2021, Dr. Naeimirad embarked on postdoctoral research at RWTH Aachen University in Germany, collaborating with Professor Thomas Gries. Supported by the prestigious Theodor Van Karaman Research Fellowship, he delved deeper into fiber melt spinning, with a particular emphasis on polymer optical fibers.
His expertise caught the attention of Senbis Polymer Innovations in the Netherlands, leading to his appointment as an R&D Project Manager in October 2023. Concurrently, he secured a Marie Curie Research Fellowship from the European Commission, underscoring his commitment to advancing polymer research.
Contributions at Senbis Polymer Innovations
At Senbis, Dr. Naeimirad has been instrumental in coordinating several commercial projects aimed at converting polymers into fibers through melt spinning. These projects encompass a range of materials, including biodegradable, bio-based, and recycled polymers. Senbis dedicates approximately half of its capacity to providing R&D services to third-party clients, ranging from large corporations to startups.
The remaining capacity is focused on developing proprietary products through its sister company, Senbis Sustainable Products. Aligned with their mission to combat microplastics and promote sustainability, all products are designed to be biodegradable, contributing to a more sustainable future.
The Imperative of Sustainability in Textiles
Dr. Naeimirad emphasizes the critical importance of sustainability in the textile industry. In Europe, there is a strong emphasis on promoting sustainable products, supported by subsidies and investments from the European Commission and other entities.
Sustainability encompasses various aspects, including reducing carbon footprints and conducting life cycle assessments (LCA). A significant focus is on replacing fossil-based plastics with bio-based alternatives. However, Dr. Naeimirad stresses that being bio-based is insufficient; the materials must also be biodegradable to ensure an environmentally friendly end-of-life.
According to European Bioplastics, bioplastics are categorized into two groups:
- Bio-based, regardless of biodegradability.
- Biodegradable, regardless of bio-based content.
For instance, polycaprolactone (PCL) is fossil-based but biodegradable, while polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are both bio-based and biodegradable, making them ideal for various applications.
Addressing Microplastics in Textiles
The textile industry significantly contributes to microplastic pollution, particularly in marine environments, accounting for approximately 35% of microplastics. The predominant fiber in the market, polyester, is not biodegradable. Dr. Naeimirad advocates for replacing polyester with biodegradable and preferably bio-based alternatives like PLA and PHAs.
He acknowledges the challenges in this transition, including performance, price, and scalability. Polyester’s dominance is attributed to its availability, established infrastructure, and cost-effectiveness. Replacing it requires developing alternatives that match its performance and are economically viable.
The BIOTTEK Project: Pioneering Biodegradable Polyesters
A notable initiative in this realm is the BIOTTEK project, a consortium including Senbis and Dutch universities and research institutes. With a €6.6 million investment, half of which is funded by the European Just Transition Funds, the project aims to develop new biodegradable polyesters to address microplastic pollution from textiles.
The focus is on creating a biodegradable polyester suitable for fiber applications that meet both technical and economic requirements. The project employs a unique approach, utilizing artificial intelligence to accelerate development and suggest new molecular designs.
Challenges and Future Directions
Dr. Naeimirad identifies several barriers to adopting sustainable fibers, including cost, performance, and durability. Fashion brands often prioritize price and performance, favoring recycled or bio-based materials over biodegradable ones. However, upcoming regulations, especially in Europe, are expected to shift this preference towards biodegradable options.
He also highlights the importance of considering the entire textile value chain, including chemical processes, dyeing, and wastewater management, to ensure a truly sustainable approach. Collaborations among associations and companies are crucial to tackle these challenges effectively.
