Fibres

A new project is  being launched in Pakistan which will convert banana waste into textile fibres as well as produce synthetic gas that will benefit rural communities in the country.

A €7 million project, BioFibreLoop, kicked off in Germany, will use laser technology to imitate natural structures in order to produce garments with water and oil-repellent, self-cleaning and antibacterial properties — basically develop recyclable outdoor and work clothing made from renewable bio-based materials.

An uncertain economic climate dampening the investment and retail landscape notwithstanding, there are strong drivers in place making a transition to NextGen innovations all but certain, says a new report.

A prototype DIY weaving machine that fits on your desk, costs a few hundred dollars, and dissolvable textile fibres made of materials like gelatin, yet another byproduct of the meat industry. Designers could have a field day spinning similar fibres from other natural ingredients.

Ever wondered what happens to your hair once you go for your six-monthly chop-chop at the salon? If Human Material Loop, a Dutch start-up, has its way, all of this could well be mopped up to give you an all-new ethical, traceable and high-performing textile fibre, prototypes of which have been developed and the immediate plan is to go commercial. Founder-CEO Zsofia Kollar in conversation with texfash.

A new entity, FFN+ or the Future Fibres Network Plus, comprising 5 universities in the UK, was launched Wednesday to support the decarbonisation of the fashion and textile industry.

Chinese scientists seem to have figured out the spinning mechanism of the silkworm and have suggested two spinning models.

Swedish textile recycling pioneer Renewcell has decided to file for bankruptcy. The reason for the company going bust has nothing to do with either its product or facilities, but a global fashion  industry that is still unwilling to increase its uptake of recycled fibres.

A start-up straddling two continents is spinning an all-new yarn from a 100% biodegradable and 100% recyclable, regenerative but sadly forgotten tree that since time immemorial has been growing unabashed in the wild.

Next-gen material solutions are here. Biomaterials company Keel Labs has launched its first in-house garment by using Kelsun fibre, with the T-shirt serving as the start of global product and brand launches to come.