Kering and others partner with Spiber for circular textiles
In a groundbreaking move for the fashion industry, luxury powerhouse Kering has joined forces with cutting-edge biomaterials company Spiber, alongside other industry leaders, to pioneer the creation of fully circular textile products. This ambitious initiative aims to revolutionize the way clothes are made and consumed, paving the way for a more sustainable future for fashion.
The collaboration, which also includes renowned brands like Johnstons of Elgin, Eilen Fisher, and DyStar, focuses on developing textiles that can be regenerated into Spiber's innovative "Brewed Protein" materials at the end of their lifecycle. This closed-loop system eliminates the need for virgin resources and reduces the environmental footprint of textile production drastically.
At the heart of this initiative lies Spiber's proprietary fermentation technology, which utilizes microorganisms to convert readily available resources like end-of-use textiles and agricultural by-products into high-performance protein fibers. These fibers possess exceptional properties, mimicking the feel and functionality of traditional materials like wool and cashmere, while offering significant sustainability advantages.
The project will involve active participation from all partners. Kering and others will provide valuable samples for laboratory testing, allowing Spiber to gather crucial data on the compatibility of various textile chemicals with their bio-regeneration process. This data will be compiled into a comprehensive database, serving as a valuable resource for the entire industry and accelerating the adoption of circularity solutions.
"We are committed to driving positive change within the fashion industry," declared François-Henri Pinault, Chairman and CEO of Kering. "This collaboration with Spiber represents a significant step forward in our journey towards a more sustainable future. We believe that by working together, we can create a new paradigm for textile production, one that minimizes environmental impact and maximizes resource efficiency."
Spiber, a pioneer in the field of bio-based materials, sees this partnership as a key milestone in their mission to "brew a better future." "We are thrilled to be collaborating with such renowned brands in this groundbreaking initiative," said Miyuki Oka, President and CEO of Spiber. "Together, we have the potential to reshape the textile industry and create a more sustainable future for fashion, one garment at a time."
The Kering-Spiber collaboration represents a significant leap forward in the quest for a more sustainable fashion industry. By embracing circularity and bio-based materials, these industry leaders are paving the way for a future where fashion can thrive in harmony with the planet.