Fashion for Good Selects Recycling and Cellulosic Startups for Innovation Program
Startups focused on biobased materials and recycling technologies lead Fashion for Good’s 2024 Innovation Program.
The Amsterdam-based innovation platform unveiled a new class of companies that will benefit from the program’s tailored support. The 2024 Innovation Program matches companies in the development stage with relevant industry partners to drive impact and collaboration. It assists startups by providing hands-on project management and access to funding and expertise.
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Fashion for Good said the cohort represents an increased focus on “novel footwear material and recycling technologies, man-made cellulosics, and nylon recycling.”
New footwear-focused participants include Algreen Ltd., a renewable chemical company that has co-developed materials from algae and biobased sources that can replace fossil-based products such as PU; Balena, the maker of BioCirflex, a flexible and fully compostable thermoplastic for outsoles; and Regeneley is advancing shoe sole recycling technologies by separating and recycling EVA, TPU, and rubber components found in footwear.
Fibre52 is a bio-based solution replacing traditional bleach prepared-for-dyeing and dye processes. Gencrest BioProducts Pvt Ltd with various agri-residues to convert them into textile-grade fibers using an enzymatic technology.
Cellulosic innovators include HeiQ AeoniQ, a continuous cellulose filament yarn with enhanced tensile properties and Nullarbor Lyocell, which is developed from microbial cellulose which is converted into pulp to produce a lyocell fiber with their partner Birla Cellulose.
SEFF Fibre produces cottonized fibers and blends of hemp fabrics utilizing a patented HVPED process.
Other selected companies are Epoch Biodesign, an enzymatic recycler of PA66 and PA6 textile waste and Samsara Eco, an enzymatic recycler of PA66 and PET textile waste; and
“These groundbreaking technologies epitomize our steadfast commitment to embedding new technologies within the fashion industry,” said Katrin Ley, Fashion for Good managing director.
The Innovation Program launched in 2017. Previous selected companies have included Nature Coatings, Pili Bio, CleanKore and Bananatex.
The program builds on Fashion for Good’s renewed five-year strategy launched in January. Based on five pillars—innovators, suppliers, brands, investors and the public—the strategy will be focused on driving widespread adoption and expansion of regenerative fashion innovations, strengthening the innovation platform and its efforts in brand engagement, supplier integration, financing and impact assessment.
Closing the Fashion for Good Museum in Amsterdam in June is also part of the plan.
