Australian biomaterials company, Nanollose Limited, has created the first set of garments using its ‘tree-free rayon’ fibre (Nullarbor) that is sourced from sustainable coconut waste.
- Paradise Textiles Limited has successfully converted 135kg of Nullarbor-20 staple fibre into several types of yarn and subsequently knitted these yarns into a variety of fabrics, including four single jerseys, a French terry and a double pique.
The Production: Several of the fabrics were blends of Nullarbor-20 with other fibres to produce blended fabrics known to be in demand by potential partners and the industry generally. Half the fabric has been dyed black and the other half left natural white.
- In addition to manufacturing the fabrics, Paradise has undertaken extensive testing on the finished product including shrinkage, colour fastness, and pilling among others, with results indicating that the fabrics are of a high quality.
- Paradise, the material science and innovation hub of the Alpine Group, has also indicated that the Nullarbor-20 fibre performed extremely well in the production process.
- Nanollose had entered into a collaboration agreement with Paradise, focused on developing and manufacturing yarns and textiles incorporating Nullarbor-20 fibres in May 2022. Both Nanollose and Paradise will continue the collaboration.
- The 135kg of Nullarbor-20 staple fibre used by Paradise to make the fabrics was part of the 260kg batch produced by Birla Cellulose at their pilot facilities earlier this year.
- In May, Nanollose signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Inditex on providing samples of its Nullarbor fibre. During the pilot phase of product development, Nanollose will work with Inditex, supplying samples of various materials for testing and prototyping, with the view to Nanollose gaining valuable commercial feedback. Inditex has early access to Nanollose’s materials to determine the potential for use in its various brands.
What They Said:
We are delighted with the quality and diversity of the fabrics produced by Paradise Textiles. The production process highlighted the versatility of Nullarbor-20 fibre, as well as how the finished fibres hold up against stringent testing protocols required for garment manufacturing. Paradise has been a tremendous partner to work with throughout this process. Their communications and commitment to the project have been outstanding and we look forward to working with them to develop additional materials going forward.
— Wayne Best
Executive Chairman
Nanollose Limited
We are excited to partner with Nanollose on an innovation that is very meaningful to the industry. Paradise has a strong commitment to bringing tree-free man-made cellulosic fibres (MMCF) solutions to the apparel and footwear industry, publicly pledging that 75% of all MMCF will be derived from tree-free sources by 2030. To get there, we need the supply, and Nullarbor is a preferred fibre with the potential to match that scale. Through rigorous R&D tests, our team has validated that Nullarbor-20 is ready for wide adoption.
— Ashok Mahtani
Co-Founder and Chairman
Paradise Textiles and Alpine Group
