From polyester alternatives made from algae or methane, to blockchain technology making the supply chain more transparent – take a look at our alumni network of innovators, each working on disruptive solutions within the textile industry.
Innovators
Alchemie
2021
Processing
Alchemie Technology has developed clean-tech dyeing and finishing processes which are enabled by its unique digital fluid jetting technology. The process is currently focused on polyester and will soon be available for natural fibres such as cotton. Alchemie’s digital manufacturing solutions for dyeing and finishing deliver significant reductions in environmental impact: reducing wastewater, chemistry and energy consumption.
AnamXR builds virtual immersive B2B sell in and DTC gamified retail experiences that improve inclusivity and amplify sustainability narratives whilst having significant environmental impacts such as reduced sampling, (air) travel, retail stores and returns. The AnamXR platform uses their proprietary technology in combination with game engine technology to achieve 3D realism and optimal user experience which are accessible anytime, anywhere from any device.
Biophilica transforms garden and park waste into TreekindTM – a leather alternative that is compostable, plastic-free, estimated carbon neutral, and recyclable as green waste or into new TreekindTM material.
eCO2Dye has developed solutions for pretreatment and dyeing of natural and synthetic fibres in supercritical CO2 offering a complete package from process, equipment, dye specification to a colour database. The process uses no water and significantly reduces chemistry and energy use and only uses already existing CO2 that gets recycled after use.
Lignopure provides a platform technology developing a 100% plant-based leather alternative made from industrial side-stream lignin and natural rubber, making it a biobased and inherent biodegradable polymer. The multiple applications include apparel, furniture, automobile leather or polyurethane alternatives.
Living Ink is a biotechnology company transforming waste-algae material into a bio-based carbon black that can replace petroleum derived carbon black. The pigment is jet black, UV stable and has the potential to be carbon negative. Living Ink has integrated the pigments into a variety of ink formulations and has tested the pigment in a variety of other materials ranging from plastics to polyurethane foams.
Made2Flow uses machine learning-based solutions to gather data directly from production partners and validate it based on multiple sources. The data is then benchmarked and translated into environmental impact indicators such as CO2, water, biodiversity, energy. This way it helps consumers make informed decisions and it gives brands oversight over their supply chain impact hotspots enabling them to reach their science based targets.
MTI-X Ltd. is an advanced materials and processing technology company which developed MLSE® (Multiplexed Laser Surface Enhancement) systems to digitally pretreat and finish both natural and synthetic textile materials. It uses significantly less energy, chemicals and water than conventional pretreatments, and safe and inert gases.
OSM Shield’s ZERO chemistry solution is a non-PFAS high performance durable water and oil repellency technology which is free from all perfluoro alkyl compounds. It can be applied using traditional application methods on all fibre types, but the focus is on cotton and polyester.
Perfitly is a cutting-edge AR/VR-AI based size recommendation and visualisation platform for fashion e-commerce – helping brands reduce returns. Online shoppers try on clothes using their custom digital body double to find their perfect fit and look, all from the comfort of their home.
RESCOLL offers a thermal-debondable separation technique for different applications in the fashion industry. They use debondable adhesives and primers that provide strong bonding during the use-phase; however, once thermally activated, they allow for easy separation – enabling further reuse and recycling of material components.
Stony Creek Colors creates a plant-based indigo that can replace petrochemical based synthetic indigo dyes. They optimise indigo production in a (non-GMO) closed loop process which has the potential to be carbon negative. In addition, they are working with small-scale farmers and helping them to switch from tobacco to indigo which can provide them with a more stable income stream and keep prime farmland in agricultural production.
The Hurd Co. engineers fibre pulp made from 100% agricultural waste feedstock to be converted into viscose alternatives. The zero waste AgriloseTM process uses less water and significantly less energy than conventional man-made cellulosic fibres.
traceless materials develop home compostable films, rigid materials and coatings that are 100% bio-based, derived from agricultural residues and are competitive in price and quality. Because they fully degrade in the environment, products made from traceless materials can substitute plastics in many products that potentially end up in the environment, and thus contribute to solving global plastic pollution.
huue (formerly Tinctorium) produce natural, pre-reduced Indigo dyes that are a drop-in replacement for synthetic Indigo, free of impurities with the same performance as synthetic Indigo.
Recycrom is a dyestuffs range made using recycled, used clothing, fibrous material and textiles scraps made from cellulosic fibres. The dyestuff can colour any cellulosic and natural fibre as well polyamide.
Oritain provides a traceability innovation with science that originates from the criminal forensic field, using selected stable isotopes to identify a product region. They provide a unique and fast process with highly reliable, accurate results.
Cooltrans Technology employs low-carbon, environmentally friendly inkjet and gravure printing technology and eco-friendly dyes for textile printing, renders delicate and vivid prints to textile fabrics.
NREL works on the development of a polyurethane for carbon capture, reuse and sequestration. They use microalgae as a feedstock to explore the production of various products for polyurethanes, polyurethanes, plastic composites to name a few.
Imogo focuses on sustainable production processes, primarily in the textile industry. Their innovative new processes for dyeing textile materials that can dramatically reduce the wasteful use of water, chemistry and energy in the textile dyeing process.
HydroCotton grows sustainable cotton in a transparent way. HydroCotton is developing a technology for cotton agriculture that reduces water and fertiliser by 80%, while also being grown in an insecticide-free environment.
GALY engineers cotton in labs through the multiplication of cells directly into the cotton fibre, removing steps of traditional cotton farming. As a result they can grow cotton without the use of pesticides or fertilisers, using considerably less water.
Full Cycle’s patented technology converts waste streams such as inedible food waste, agricultural by-products and used paper/cardboard into Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) bioplastics that degrade in the soil and the ocean.
Fairbrics provides a novel process to create ethylene glycol (a component of polyester) from waste CO2. The resultant chemical is identical both chemically and practically to petroleum-based ethylene glycol.
Econic
2020
Raw Materials
Econic provides an innovative catalyst technology that facilitates incorporation of waste CO2 as a raw material into polyols, replacing up to 50% of traditional oil-based feedstocks. Waste CO2 is cheaper than oil-based raw materials, plus offers enhanced product performance and environmental benefits.
Dryfiber provides a fluorine-free durable water and oil repellent textile finish which is completely water-bourne and can be applied through traditional finishing processes.
Bear Fiber is developing a novel biotechnological cottonisation process and manufacturing platform for fibre production with hemp that uses less water and energy. The cotton-like hemp fibre and yarns can be easily spun with cotton to produce textiles and finished garments.
Cadel Deinking removes printed ink and labels from plastics and through mechanical recycling can produce high quality, high recycled-content pellets. The de-inking technology produces pellets of similar quality to that of new plastics and can be used in the same applications as new material.
Cocoon Biotech has developed a bio-technology platform designed to produce a bio-compatible silk protein. Their platform dissolves raw cocoon silk, post-consumer silk waste and supply chain waste into a liquid protein solution, from which fibre, liquids and gel materials can be produced.
Frankie Collective is dedicated to reworking excess products into high-demand streetwear styles. Vintage garments and overstock that would otherwise end up in landfill are salvaged and reworked into contemporary items.
PreSize is a 3D body scanning technology that uses any smartphone’s camera input to find the best fit to the users’ individual body. Unlike other smartphone fit solutions, PreSize is completely web-based and uses a video of the consumer to estimate key points of the body, ensuring a higher level of accuracy in measurements.
Based in Germany, RE-NT offers a circular, white label rental service and online platform. Consumers have access to the latest fashion which they can rent and brands can still engage with their audience without having to deal with operations and logistics.
Resortecs produces a dissolvable stitching thread for easy repair and recycling of garments. Used in attaching trimmings, such as zippers, buttons and fasteners, the threads are aimed at garment repair, recycling and reusing materials from unsold stock and dissolve when exposed to heat.
Returnity creates custom designed, reusable and recyclable shipping packaging for individuals and businesses, providing a sustainable packaging solution for a better customer experience and engagement.
Smartex uses a combination of IoT sensors and AI/machine learning software for the real-time inspection and detection of defects in fabric production. The technology helps textile manufactures improve production yields reducing defective production down to 0%.
Sozie’s approach to sizing is to use real-life consumers to produce fit and style feedback for garments that match the potential buyer’s size and body type. “Sozies” are given 24 hours to find garments in retail stores and report back with photos, style comments and experience in fit. In time, a library is produced and shoppers can instantly browse content from consumers that match their body type.
Spintex, a spin out from the University of Oxford, manufactures pure and strong silk fibres. Fibres are spun from water-based silk solution, partly sourced from pre-consumer waste streams, amongst others. The technology platform can create bespoke, next generation fibres and materials.
The Fabricant is a digital fashion house leading the fashion industry towards a new sector of digital only clothing – wasting nothing but data and exploiting nothing but imagination. The Fabricantspecialises in photo-real 3D fashion design and animation which can be used in digital fashion editorial
Unspun is an on-demand apparel company that uses 3D scanning and fit algorithms to generate digital consumer sizing. Using the 3D information, they create a pair of customised jeans that fit perfectly through 3D weaving. The technique eliminates back-end inventory, reduces wasteful processes and ultimately increases the lifespan and wear-ability of your garments.
Dimpora has invented a novel waterproof membrane material. Current waterproof membranes use toxic chemicals that bioaccumulate in the natural environment.
FARFARM develops responsible fabrics using Agroforestry systems that regenerate nature and communities in Brazil. They educate agricultural families to plant natural fibres such as cotton, jute, ramie and dye-producing plants using agroforestry principals that mimic nature, doesn’t require chemical fertilizers, all while restoring biodiversity and keeping a standing forest.
FastFeetGrinded seeks to make footwear circular by collecting and recycling used shoes into new shoes. Together with retailers, they collect used shoes that are then sorted and deconstructed into their component parts. These material streams are manufactured into new products like playground flooring but also feed back into the footwear manufacturing supply chain.
VeChain is a blockchain-enabled product management platform. Using blockchain technology to secure product data enables retailers and manufacturers to easily collect, manage, and share data across the supply chain.
Indidye has developed a new, low environmental footprint, dyeing method for their natural plant-based dyes. This new process uses sound waves to bind natural dyes to cellulosic fibres. Indidye’s technology uses less water, creates no wastewater, is biodegradable, and requires less energy than a conventional dyeing process. Indidye also produces a dye stuff and is developing a cellulosic fibre – both of which are 100% biodegradable.
Indigo Mills Designs is revolutionizing the Indigo dyeing process by making it more sustainable, more economical and faster. This patented state-of-the-art foam dyeing process produces zero water discharge and minimal dye waste all while producing deep indigo colours that the fashion industry loves.
MonoChain has developed an easy to integrate blockchain platform to bring primary and resale markets together to enable a circular economy and simultaneously combating fake products.
Creates dyes and fibres from algae microorganisms. Their textiles release anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals that can nourish and protect our body and skin.
Is a digital marketplace where companies can exchange excess materials and products. EME matches materials with their highest value reuse option, enabling companies to turn their waste into wealth, combatting unnecessary landfill, incineration, and overproduction.
Creates sustainable products for daily use out of agriculture residue. Green Whisper specializes in banana fibre products: banana paper and banana fibre textile.
Nowner has developed an online platform for brands which enables them to run their own renting platforms for customers, in order to create a circular system for the garment industry.
Reflaunt is a circular designed technology which bridges first-hand and second-hand markets, enabling high-end brands to give customers the option to re-sell, donate or recycle their wardrobes.
Creates the first digital, multi-brand takeback program which rewards recycling. Consumers can box up their unwanted clothing and ship them directly to regain and earn discount coupons to use online or in store.
Is an app where its users can build a digital wardrobe by instantly uploading their online purchases or existing items through computer vision. The app includes outfit recommendations, dry cleaning, alteration, selling and donating pointers, to understand and manage users wardrobes.
Stuffstr lets users capture the value of used stuff, regardless of its condition. They partner with fashion retailers to buy back unwanted products, and update consumers on the current resale value of their items.
TrusTrace helps brands define a clear plan for establishing product-level traceability. It provides a scalable digital platform for measuring, monitoring and communicating various activities in the supply chain.
The Vienna Textile Lab turns bacteria into colour. They fabricate organic dyes from naturally occurring bacteria in order to provide a sustainable alternative to conventional synthetic colours.
&Wider is looking to help bridge the data gap on working conditions in global supply chains. &Wider calls workers on their mobile phones through their cloud platform to generate insights about their working conditions and wellbeing for buyers and employers.
Algiknit produces textile fibres extruded from kelp, a variety of seaweed. The extrusion process turns the biopolymer mixture into kelp-based thread that can be knitted or 3D printed to minimize waste. The final knitwear is biodegradable and can be dyed with natural pigments in a closed loop cycle.
BioGlitz produces the world’s first biodegradable glitter. Based on a unique biodegradable formula made from eucalyptus tree extract, the eco-glitter is fully biodegradable, compostable and allows for the sustainable consumption of glitter without the environmental damage associated with micro plastics.
circular.fashion has created a software that interconnects circular design, circular retail models and closed loop recycling technologies enables fashion brands to design circular garments. Circular clothes are attributed an identification tag that orchestrates a reverse supply chain network of consumers, sorting and recycling companies to close the loop to regenerated textiles.
FLOCUS™ is a revolutionary textile brand producing yarn blends and filling made with Kapok. Kapok is the most sustainable fiber in the market leaving no human footprint behind.
Frumat uses apples to create a leather-like material. Apple pectin is an industrial waste product which can be used to create sustainable materials for luxury accessories. The materials can be dyed naturally and tanned without chemically intensive techniques.
Good on You is a mobile app that provides ethical ratings for over 1,000 fashion brands rated on their impact on people, the planet and animals. It is built on a robust brand rating system which aggregates standards, certifications and publicly available data sources into a simple, accessible 5-point score to promote transparency across the fashion industry and to allow customers to make conscious purchasing decisions.
Mango Materials produces biodegradable bio-polyester that can be used as a sustainable alternative to the present polyester utilized in the fashion industry. Microfibres produced from the biopolyester can biodegraded in many environments, including landfills, wastewater treatment plants, and the oceans helping to prevent microfibre pollution and contributing to a closed-loop bio economy for the fashion industry.
Sonovia has developed the most durable, versatile, safe and effective Anti-Bacterial coating technology for Textiles, and the only technology to be able to positively address the very strict demands by the Hospital sector.
We are the world’s first and only brand to produce a patented material from citrus juice byproducts, repurposing them to create beautiful, sensorial fabrics that reshape your sartorial experience.
Paptic manufactures bio-based alternative packaging materials that are made from sustainably sourced wood fibres. The material has the unique properties of paper and plastic commonly used in the retail sector, but with a much higher tear resistance than paper. The material can be recycled alongside cardboard.
PlanetCare is a small, yet passionate group of enthusiasts, coming from very different backgrounds and united through the same cause – caring about our planet.
Reverse Resources is a platform that enables fashion brands and garment manufacturers to address pre-consumer waste for industrial upcycling. The platform allows fabric and garment factories to map and measure leftover fabrics and scraps so that these become traceable through their following life cycles. By mapping the waste material in the factory, these resources can eventually be reintroduced into the supply chain, limiting the use of virgin materials.
We’re making clothing for the 21st century. We have designed and prototyped a robotic knitting machine to produce custom seamless knit garments in the size, material and style chosen by customers with minimal human finishing.
Colorfix has developed an innovative dyeing method based on bio-pigments. Their process is a new approach to dyeing, avoiding the use of any hazardous chemicals whilst significantly reducing water, energy and waste.
Circular SystemsTM presents TexloopTM. A recycling and yarn platform focused on creating closed-loop resource efficiency in synthetic, and complex blended fabrics.
Created an online B2B platform that matches fashion professionals with the connections and resources they need to grow successful and sustainable businesses.
Mycotex developed a mushroom-based textile that can be grown into custom-fitted moulds. This eliminates the need for yarns, weaving and other process steps. The material is 100% biodegradable and has anti-microbal properties.
We use cookies to improve site functionality and provide you with a better browsing experience. Find out how to disable or erase cookies, as well as request to review, amend or delete your data via our Privacy policy. ACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Cookie
Duration
Description
AWSALB
7 days
AWSALB is an application load balancer cookie set by Amazon Web Services to map the session to the target.
AWSELBCORS
session
This cookie is used by Elastic Load Balancing from Amazon Web Services to effectively balance load on the servers.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Cookie
Duration
Description
_ga
2 years
The _ga cookie, installed by Google Analytics, calculates visitor, session and campaign data and also keeps track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookie stores information anonymously and assigns a randomly generated number to recognize unique visitors.
_gat_gtag_UA_94111046_2
1 minute
Set by Google to distinguish users.
_gat_gtag_UA_94111046_3
1 minute
Set by Google to distinguish users.
_gid
1 day
Installed by Google Analytics, _gid cookie stores information on how visitors use a website, while also creating an analytics report of the website's performance. Some of the data that are collected include the number of visitors, their source, and the pages they visit anonymously.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.