The fashion industry wants to shift to better materials, but choosing between environment and economics has always been viewed as a tradeoff traditionally. AltMat is an Alternative Materials Science company based in India that is building regenerative technologies defining materials of the future.
29acacia is offering a scalable, sustainable alternative to cotton and viscose for the future of fashion and proving that sustainable materials can be competitive on price, consistent in quality, and transformative in impact. Using proprietary technology, 29acacia is transforming banana tree waste into high-quality textiles - from denim to silk-like fabrics - that meet the demands of global fashion houses.
Brewed Protein™ is a revolutionary material developed to address environmental challenges through advanced protein design. By combining cutting-edge biotechnology, Spiber replicates the process of natural protein evolution in the lab, creating versatile, sustainable materials.
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.