With more than two decades of experience in sustainable materials research, Associate Professor Dr Dalour Beg has established a recognised international career advancing the science and application of natural fibre composites, cellulose and nanocellulose, biodegradable plastics, and biomaterials. Starting from strong foundations in fundamental materials science, his work has evolved into a highly translational research portfolio, delivering practical, scalable solutions that benefit both industry and the environment.

In the building and construction sector, Dr Beg develops high-performance composites by combining New Zealand’s native fibres—such as wood, harakeke (NZ flax), and hemp—with recycled plastics and paper. This work both harnesses renewable resources and diverts waste from landfills, producing materials that are robust, resource-efficient, and aligned with circular economy principles. His research also integrates advanced manufacturing, including additive manufacturing (3D printing) and design-for-disassembly approaches, enabling flexible design, material efficiency, and sustainable end-of-life strategies.

In the packaging domain, Dr Beg focuses on replacing fossil-derived plastics with biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable alternatives made from cellulose derivatives and other biobased polymers. One of his major innovations is a cellulose-based foam designed as a sustainable replacement for expanded polystyrene, addressing global challenges in packaging waste and plastic pollution.

Dr Beg has an extensive record of securing competitive research funding nationally and internationally. In Malaysia, he led multiple major programmes including the Fundamental Research Grant, Prototype Research Grant, and Transdisciplinary Research Grant from the Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia as well as funding from The World Academy of Science (TWAS). Since relocating to New Zealand, he continues to grow this trajectory and is currently leading a $1 million MBIE Smart Ideas project.

His expertise spans a wide range of materials science themes, including:
• Natural fibre composites and additive manufacturing
• Cellulose and nanocellulose
• Sustainable and circular packaging materials
• Cellulose-based foams
• Circular economy applications
• Biomaterials and drug-delivery systems

Dr Beg has supervised more than 20 postgraduate students, including seven current PhD candidates. He has published over 140 peer-reviewed journal articles, with more than 8,000 citations and an h-index of 43 (Google Scholar). Collaboration is central to Dr Beg’s research practice. He maintains strong partnerships with industry and academic institutions across New Zealand and internationally, and actively welcomes new collaborations, interdisciplinary projects, and co-development of research proposals across global networks.