#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.

Texprocess 2026: Automation, digitalisation and AI redefine textile processing

Making investment decisions in textile processing has become significantly more demanding. Increasing energy costs, a shortage of skilled labour and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties are compelling companies to focus on technologies that deliver clear gains in efficiency and process reliability. This applies equally to apparel manufacturing and to the processing of technical textiles and high-performance materials. As a result, modernisation initiatives are assessed more carefully – even as the need to upgrade production systems continues to intensify.

Techtextil 2026: Between innovation pressure & market reality

From 21 to 24 April 2026, Techtextil in Frankfurt am Main will once again become the central meeting point for the international technical textiles and nonwovens industry. Running in parallel, Texprocess will focus on the industrial implementation of textile processing technologies as the leading platform in this field. Together, the two trade fairs form a closely integrated presentation and working platform along the entire textile value chain – from material development to finished applications.

Between geopolitical pressure and industrial resilience

In this interview, Dr. Janpeter Horn (VDMA) discusses the current challenges facing textile machinery manufacturers, shaped by geopolitical tensions, regulatory developments and subdued investment. He also outlines why innovation strength, integrated solutions and strategic positioning remain key to global competitiveness.

Hohenstein publishes 2025 Sustainability Report

The testing and research service provider Hohenstein has published its latest sustainability report, outlining key progress and strategic initiatives. The report focuses on ambitious CO₂ reduction targets, the company’s new mission statement and the systematic expansion of sustainable services for customers worldwide.

Global Standard gGmbH launches second public consultation for GRTS Draft 2 for the textile industry (1–30 April 2026)

Global Standard gGmbH is pleased to announce the release of Draft 2 of the Global Responsible Textile Standard (GRTS) for its second public consultation. The consultation will be open from 1 April 2026 to 30 April 2026, inviting stakeholders across the textile and apparel value chain to provide input and contribute to the further development of this new Standard.

ECCO introduces first shoe featuring innovative protein-based fibre

ECCO, in partnership with Spinnova, announces the launch of the limited edition ECCO BIOM® 720, a first-of-its-kind shoe utilising an often overlooked leather by-product, transformed into a protein-based fibre. The fibres are produced using patented technology that advances material innovation while reducing waste and supporting full resource use across the leather and textile industry.

The LYCRA Company strengthens sustainability leadership, appoints Alistair Williamson as VP of Product Sustainability

The LYCRA Company has appointed longtime executive Alistair Williamson as vice president of product sustainability, reaffirming its commitment to developing sustainable solutions for apparel and personal care products. In this role, he will guide the company’s next chapter of sustainability strategy and oversee all initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact across products, operations, and innovation platforms.

trinamiX mobile NIR spectroscopy: New applications for the footwear and textile industry

trinamiX GmbH expands its solution portfolio for the circular economy, now enabling the identification of materials used in the footwear and textile industries. With its mobile near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy solutions, trinamiX supports manufacturers, sorters, recyclers, and brand owners in reliably identifying materials and improving transparency across increasingly complex value chains.