Textiles/Textile Processing

Samsara Eco is working on innovative solutions for recycling plastics and textiles through advanced enzyme technology. Unlike traditional recycling, which often downgrades materials and limits plastic recyclability, Samsara Eco’s enzymes break down complex plastics (polymers) into their original chemical building blocks (monomers). The company creates virgin-grade plastics without reliance on fossil fuels by converting polymers into simple monomers.

Reflo is a sustainable fashion brand dedicated to transforming waste into high-performance sportswear. By repurposing recycled plastic bottles and coffee grounds, they produce yarns for fabrics that uphold rigorous environmental standards, including Bluesign, Oeko-Tex, U Trust, and Global Recycled Standards. The process involves collecting and washing single-use plastic bottles, which are then melted and spun into lightweight, flexible yarns designed for durability.

NOOSA™ has developed a technology that manufactures textile fiber from corn, sugarcane, and wheat. The fibers are made from polylactic acid (PLA) derived from GMO-free crops and do not compete with the food industry. The protein from these feedstocks is redirected to food production, while NOOSA™ focuses on carbohydrates such as sugar and starch. 

Fairbrics, a French startup, is leading the charge in creating sustainable alternatives to traditional textiles. Their innovative process, which involves capturing CO2 from industrial sources and converting it into polyester fabric, is a beacon of hope for the fashion industry. By offering a more eco-friendly alternative, Fairbrics is not just reducing the industry’s reliance on fossil fuels but also inspiring a greener future. 

Ananas Anam is a UK company known for its innovative approach to sustainable materials. The company specializes in Piňatex®, a sustainable alternative to textiles made from pineapple leaf fibers. Piňatex® offers low impact textile solutions that helps brands and industries to reduce their emissions and achieve their climate and sustainability goals. 

NEFFA (New Fashion Factory) is a Dutch startup focused on creating nature-inspired textiles and technologies. The company has developed MYCOTEX®, a biobased material derived from mycelium (mushroom), offering a natural, leather-like feel without attempting to mimic leather directly. The material flexibility and thickness can also be tailored to specific products. Similar to dope dyeing, pigments are added directly into the biomass for efficient coloring.

Spintex is a UK-based company developing next-generation materials inspired by spider silk. By mimicking nature’s designs, the company aims to transform traditional textile manufacturing, which often relies on petrochemicals, high energy use, and unsustainably sourced raw materials. Spintex’s innovative technology replicates the spider’s unique fiber-spinning process, creating fibers at room temperature by pulling from a liquid protein gel—without the use of harsh chemicals. This process is far more efficient than producing plastic fibers, with water as the only byproduct.

Worn Again Technologies, a UK-based company, is dedicated to revolutionizing textile recycling by creating a circular economy for fabrics. Their innovative process enables textiles to be continuously recycled into new products. Worn again has developed a process that separates, decontaminates, and recaptures raw materials from mixed fibers, such as polyester and cotton, and turns them into virgin-like materials. Using a closed-loop chemical recycling process, Worn Again maximizes material recovery while enhancing environmental sustainability. 

EcoaTEX is advancing sustainability in the textile industry with its eco-friendly approach to textile coatings, focusing on transforming natural, renewable resources into sustainable fibers, dyes, and leather alternatives. Their innovative technologies—Eco-finishing, Eco-fiber, and Bio-based Alternative Leather—utilize green chemistry and nanotechnology to reduce environmental impact.

Beyond Surface Technologies (BTS), a Swiss supplier of bio-based textile chemicals, is committed to replacing petroleum-based materials in textiles with sustainable alternatives like plant seeds, natural waxes, and microalgae. BTS has developed miDori® bioWick, the first microalgae-based wicking finish for fabrics. This innovative finish achieves 100% biobased status and enhances moisture management by pulling sweat away from the body, promoting rapid evaporation, and providing advanced cooling.