academic publications

My research outputs span textile science, sustainable materials, colour systems, and applied textile research. The publications listed below represent a curated selection of key peer-reviewed outputs that reflect my research focus and contribution to the field.

For a complete and up-to-date list of publications, including conference papers and collaborative outputs, please refer to my external researcher profiles linked below.

For a full list of publications, please see:

• Google Scholar
• University of Manchester Research Profile

HOW DO COMPANIES COMMUNICATE THEIR ‘SUSTAINABLE’ MATERIAL INNOVATIONS ON COMPANY WEBSITES?
HENNINGER, C., YAN, S., WOOD, J., BRYDGES, T., LE NORMAND, A., QUIJANO, L.

International Journal for Sustainable Fashion and Textiles

This article critically examines the growing use of so-called “innovative” and “sustainable” materials within the fashion industry, including vegan, plant-based, and plastic-free alternatives. Through a comparative analysis of 21 emerging materials, the paper explores how sustainability is defined, communicated, and understood within luxury fashion contexts.

By evaluating material composition, production narratives, and sustainability claims presented by brands, the research questions whether these materials genuinely represent more sustainable alternatives to leather and synthetic textiles. The study highlights gaps in transparency and consistency, offering a critical framework for assessing future material innovation beyond marketing-led sustainability claims.

HANDS ON BIOFILM! UTILIZING A PUBLIC AUDIENCE IN A CITIZEN SCIENCE PROJECT TO ASSESS YIELD VARIABILITY WHEN CULTURING A KOMBUCHA PELLICLE
VERRAN, J., REDFERN, J., CUNLIFFE, A., ROMACHNEY, A., WOOD, A.

FEMS Microbiology Letters

This co-authored article reports on a citizen science project that engaged over 1,200 visitors in a public biofilm experiment during a science festival. Participants were invited to set incubation conditions and inoculate kombucha cultures to investigate variability in biofilm (pellicle) production — a material with textile-like properties. The research generated useful data on kombucha pellicle yield under different conditions, while also demonstrating how public involvement can both contribute to scientific inquiry and raise awareness of microbial materials.

UNRAVELLING THE THREADS OF MICROFIBRE TERMINOLOGY
ALLEN, E., HENNINGER, C.E., WOOD, J.

Nature Sustainability

This co-authored article addresses a fundamental challenge in microplastic research — inconsistent use of terminology around microfibres — and calls for a unified language to support coordinated research, policy, and mitigation efforts. By highlighting how variable definitions hinder comparison between studies and complicate environmental assessments, the paper proposes a pathway towards harmonised terminology that can strengthen interdisciplinary research and facilitate clearer communication across science, regulation, and industry.