Working with Nature to Drive Meaningful Change in Stretch Textiles

We’re developing a bio-based alternative to elastane, derived from the natural stretch properties of seaweed. Our solution mimics elastane’s elasticity while eliminating fossil fuel dependence and toxicity. This solution is:
– Sustainable: Produced without land or fertilizers, minimizing environmental impact.
– Non-Toxic: Free from hazardous chemicals, ensuring worker and consumer safety.
– Plug-and-Play: Compatible with existing textile production processes and upcoming regulations.

Current Progress:

  • Finalizing our MVP and optimizing fiber performance.
  • Collaborating with lingerie brands for industry insights and market validation.
  • Engaging manufacturers to understand the technical aspects of integrating our fiber into existing production lines.

Innovation Focus:
Our goal is to replace elastane in stretch textiles with a bio-based fiber derived from seaweed. We’re overcoming challenges such as water, heat, and light resistance by exploring advanced crosslinking techniques to improve strength, elasticity, and durability.

By collaborating with a brand and manufacturer, we aim to understand the full supply chain and refine our material for scalability. We will optimize fiber performance for dyeing, knitting, and garment production, ensuring the final product meets the stringent demands of lingerie manufacturing. This partnership will help us integrate our fibers into existing systems without major modifications.

Overview of the issue and your approach: Elastane’s role in lingerie makes it a key leverage point for systemic change in fashion sustainability. Lingerie, rarely reused or resold, contributes significantly to textile waste. Each day, 5 million kg of underwear enter U.S. landfills. Elastane cannot be effectively recycled due to its low melting point and incompatibility with mechanical recycling, leading to microplastic pollution and toxic waste accumulation. Sustainable lingerie brands struggle to replace elastane—organic cotton lacks the necessary stretch durability, and recycled fibers present quality and machine compatibility issues.

Our approach transforms this challenge into an opportunity by replacing elastane with a bio-based alternative made from seaweed. Our innovation directly addresses fashion’s key pain points: it eliminates fossil fuel dependency, is non-toxic for consumers and workers, and is designed as a plug-and-play solution that integrates seamlessly into existing manufacturing processes and aligns with upcoming regulations.

We are currently developing our MVP within Imperial College’s Undaunted Greenhouse program, leveraging a £20,000 equity-free grant, lab facilities, and mentorship to refine our business model. We are in conversation with lingerie brands and manufacturers to ensure seamless integration into existing supply chains. Additionally, we are exploring stable feedstock options and seeking partnerships with coastal communities to address challenges of invasive seaweed.

We are catalyzing systemic change in fashion, empowering brands to rethink material choices beyond quick fixes. Our vision is a future where textiles are non-toxic, circular, and harmonized with nature.
The stakeholders in your project: Direct: Jeanne has deep knowledge of sustainable fashion, from her studies and experiences. Lucy brings expertise in elastomer production and bioengineering.

Indirect:
Textile Workers: Safer working conditions
Sustainable Brands: Fully sustainable
Consumers: Toxin-free garments
Global Communities: Healthier ecosystem

Creating an inclusive value chain, we’re reshaping the textile industry's future to be ethical, equitable, and regenerative.
Agreement: Accepted
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