Fashion for Good has announced ten alternative materials-focused companies have joined its 2024 Innovation Program.
Fashion for Good, the pioneering platform dedicated to sustainability in the fashion industry, has announced the selection of ten companies to join its 2024 Innovation Program. This year’s cohort is focusing primarily on materials for footwear, advancements in man-made cellulosics, and innovative approaches to nylon recycling. The initiative underscores a broader commitment to integrate sustainable technologies within the fashion sector, a move that could significantly alter the industry’s environmental impact.
“We are thrilled to unveil this year’s cohort of ten new innovators for our Innovation Program,” Managing Director of Fashion for Good, Katrin Ley, said in a statement. “These groundbreaking technologies epitomize our steadfast commitment to embedding new technologies within the fashion industry.”
The selected innovators will be matched with relevant industry partners to facilitate the validation of their technologies and to foster investment opportunities, paving the way for significant advancements in sustainable fashion. The cohort includes:
1. Algreen, which co-develops alternative materials from algae and biobased sources that can replace fossil-based products such as PU.
2. Balena, which creates biodegradable partly biobased polymers for footwear outsoles.
3. Epoch Biodesign is an enzymatic recycler of PA66 and PA6 textile waste.
4. Fibre52 is a bio-based solution replacing traditional bleach prepared-for-dyeing and dye processes.
5. Gencrest works with various agri-residues to convert them into textile-grade fibers using an enzymatic technology.
6.HeiQ AeoniQ is a continuous cellulose filament yarn with enhanced tensile properties.
7. Nullarbor Lyocell is developed from microbial cellulose which is converted into pulp to produce a lyocell fiber with its partner Birla Cellulose.
8. Regeneley pioneers advanced shoe sole recycling technologies by separating and recycling EVA, TPU, and rubber components found in footwear
9. Samsara Eco is an enzymatic recycler of PA66 and PET textile waste
10. SEFF Fibre produces cottonised fibers and blends of hemp fabrics utilizing a patented HVPED process.
The textile-heavy list comes after Fashion for Good launched its Strategic Supplier Initiative last year, with 15 taking part in the effort so far. The organization, whose partners include Chanel, Burberry, and Patagonia, among others, expects the fashion industry to take big steps toward climate commitments this year.
Related on Ethos:
