#Sustainability

2019-10-10

Spinnova’s technology for sustainable textile fibres gets 11 MEUR investment for commercial scaling

With new growth capital of 11 million euros, the sustainable fibre technology company Spinnova is now starting the commercialization phase of the world’s most sustainable textile fibre. The company aims to revolutionize the raw material base of the textile industry with its cellulose-based fibre products in collaboration with major textile brands.

Spinnova is a Finnish, sustainable deeptech company that has developed a disruptive technology for manufacturing cellulose-based textile fibres. Spinnova’s patented method includes 0% harmful chemicals and 0% waste or side streams, making the fibre and the production the most sustainable in the world.

Spinnova is beginning to plan for its commercial phase after passing its most important milestone so far; getting proof of concept from its pilot factory. The pilot line was completed in Finland last December and ramped up over early 2019. Now fully operational, the pilot is producing fibre for Spinnova’s brand partners, while Spinnova scales towards a commercial facility.

Spinnova recently completed a financing round that ensures getting to the commercial phase without further financing needs. The 11 million euro total investment came entirely from Spinnova’s existing investors; family investment offices, private investors, a venture capital investment fund and industrial partners.

There has been a significant amount of brand interest towards Spinnova’s innovation. As Spinnova and its industrial partners begin to plan for the first commercial facilities, uptake agreements will be available to brands who want to make sure they are early adopters of the world’s most sustainable fibre. The fibre recently passed industrial spinning tests, which was an important step of the fibre’s journey towards a commercially viable drop-in material.

Following close collaboration with piloting brands, several demo products will be introduced to consumers in the near future. Spinnova’s vision is that its sustainable fibres become an attractive option to brands and this way available to all consumers.

– We have proven success in both strategic focus areas related to our vision: We work closely with brands in developing our fibre products and will scale the sustainable technology to big volumes with industrial partners, comments Spinnova’s CEO and co-founder Janne Poranen.

“Production is a product”

From technical textiles and AI-driven robotics to the limitations of textile circularity: Professor Dr Thomas Gries looks back on more than two decades of development at ITA Aachen. In the interview, he explains why production technology remains a decisive success factor, discusses international collaborations and innovation ecosystems, and shares his views on the transformation of production landscapes and the challenges facing an increasingly regulated industry.

“We need to move away from the price trap and return to a value-driven mindset.”

With its new Textile Innovation Center, KARL MAYER is sending a strong signal for innovation, collaboration, and the future of textile applications. In this interview, Karl Josef Mayer discusses new opportunities in warp knitting, the processing of staple fibres, recycling, the changing role of machinery manufacturers, and why the textile industry must once again focus more strongly on the value of textiles. by Oliver Schmidt

“Innovation, resilience and international experience remain the great strengths of the Swiss textile machinery industry”

Geopolitical uncertainty, growing competitive pressure from China, new free trade agreements and the shift towards a circular economy are currently reshaping the global textile industry. In this interview, Cornelia Buchwalder discusses the current mood within the Swiss textile machinery sector, the industry’s distinctive innovative strength, new market opportunities in India and Asia, and the technological trends that could shape the upcoming trade fair cycle leading up to ITMA 2027.

ITMF names three winners of the Sustainability & Innovation Award 2026

Three projects from the UK, Korea and China have been selected as winners of the ITMF Sustainability & Innovation Award 2026. The projects address textile-to-textile recycling, chemical recycling for automotive textiles and a regenerative approach combining silk production with ecological restoration.

180 years of TESTEX: From Zurich silk testing to global certification

For 180 years, TESTEX has developed alongside the textile industry while maintaining the same underlying purpose: creating trust through independent and reliable measurement. Founded in Zurich in 1846 as the Zurich Silk Conditioning Institute, TESTEX has grown from a local institution serving the silk trade into an international Swiss testing and certification institute for textiles and leather.

Cascale launches member-led process to shape 2030 strategy

Cascale has launched a member-led process to define the industry alliance’s strategic direction for the next decade. At the Cascale Annual Meeting 2026 in Athens, CEO Ying McGuire announced that members will contribute to an industry system map that will inform Cascale’s 10-year vision, its 2030 strategy and priorities for 2027. The new strategy is scheduled to be finalized in December.

KARL MAYER invites the Global Textile Industry to celebrate its 90th anniversary at its German Headquarters in 2027

KARL MAYER is turning its anniversary year 2027 into a milestone for the textile sector. To mark its 90th anniversary, the industry leader is inviting customers, partners, and experts from around the world to a unique event series in September aimed at pushing boundaries, unlocking new opportunities, and jointly setting the course for a new era in textiles – just as KARL MAYER has done throughout its history. The company’s headquarters in Obertshausen, near Frankfurt, is the place to be.

Durak Maxibalance thread supports users’ movement and balance comfort

Durak Tekstil, a leading brand in its industry, has developed Durak Maxibalance, a new product engineered with bio-ceramic and FAR IR technology. Ushering in a new era for sportswear, activewear, and medical textiles, this technology offers features designed to support balance and movement comfort by reflecting the energy absorbed from the body back into it.

Yarn Expo Autumn 2026 draws to a close, weaving sustainable innovation into global sourcing

Yarn Expo Autumn 2026 concluded with approximately 600 exhibitors from 14 countries and regions, connecting with nearly 22,000 visitors from 110 represented markets, bringing the textile industry’s evolving material agenda into sharper focus. Held alongside Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition, CHIC and PH Value, the fair connected upstream fibre and yarn innovation with fabric development, garment production and fashion-market demand.