Fibres

NextGen materials innovator Keel Labs has announced the commercial launch of garments made with its seaweed-based Kelsun fibre as a range being released later today by California brand Outerknown. Co-Founder Tessa Callaghan tells texfash what it took to get Kelsun from the concept stage to its commercial arrival.

A recurring theme at the 63rd Global Fibre Congress at Dornbirn from 11–13 September was recycling and the associated circular economy. It stressed on the urgent need for everyone in the value chain, from machine manufacturers to manufacturing and retail, to find a common denominator—the only way to provide the consumer with products which are sustainable and affordable.

As the world looks for innovative solutions to reduce carbon emissions and preserve vital ecosystems, environmental NGO Canopy underscores the critical role India can play in this global shift as it has the potential to transform 100 million tonnes of agricultural residues and polyester-cotton textile waste into valuable low-carbon paper, packaging, and viscose for the global markets.

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.