Marimekko and Spinnova have been collaborating on developing and commercializing new, wood-based textiles since 2017. Spinnova’s innovation addresses the environmental impacts of the fashion and textile industries, as the manufacture of textile fiber made with Spinnova’s method includes nearly 100% less water than cotton production, no harmful chemicals and 100% circularity.

“This truly is innovation by design, as Marimekko’s designers have been involved in the collaboration early on. Making a market entry for a novel material speeds up when experimental minds come together, and also make their collaboration transparent to consumers. We’re thrilled that the Fast Company acknowledged it,” comments Spinnova’s CEO and co-founder Janne Poranen.

The Marimekko prototype outfits produced as part of the collaboration – including the first ever printed clothes made of Spinnova’s fiber – were introduced in February 2020. Outfits featuring Marimekko’s iconic Unikko (poppy) print and the company’s signature stripes demonstrate the great potential of the material innovation for a more sustainable future of the textile industry.

“We are very honored by Fast Company’s accolade. At Marimekko, we believe that timeless and long-lasting design that brings joy to our customers for many years is also a sustainable choice. Material choices play an important role in the work to maximize a product’s life cycle and make it as sustainable as possible. Together with Spinnova, we have been able to take major steps in developing new sustainable materials from wood-based fibers,” says Minna Kemell-Kutvonen, Design and Product Development Director of Prints and Home Products at Marimekko.