Finnish sustainable fibre company Spinnova has named Maree Hamilton as its first in-house textile expert, responsible for liaising with brand owners who wish to implement the firm’s sustainable technologies for making cellulosic fibres.
Hamilton is an experienced textile technologist with more than 30 years of practical and theoretical experience of wool, fibre, textile material research and development, product innovation and processing. She will join Spinnova next month after relocating to Finland from New Zealand.
After successfully starting its test facility production line, Spinnova is now focusing on end-product development with partnering brands this year and next, while making plans to move into the commercial phase. Hamilton already has several joint product development projects lined up with brand owners, the company says.
Before joining Spinnova, she worked in collaboration management with the New Zealand Merino Company since 2010. Prior to this, she mostly focused on research and technical expert and advisor roles within the wool industry, specifically in nonwovens and insulation.
“I am passionate about fibre and textile innovation and working with progressive brands. This industry is challenging with many negative environmental impacts, so I have wanted a more sustainable focus for my career,” she says.
In May, Spinnova revealed it was teaming up with local clean-energy firm Fortum to continue building its bio-based ecosystem for converting agricultural waste such as straw into textiles – potentially disrupting the use of natural cellulosics such as cotton.
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalDataSpinnova’s technology spins textile fibre out of wood and waste stream based cellulose. Unlike the viscose process, it involves no dissolving or other complex chemicals, and the fibre is said to have a uniquely small footprint – as well as opportunities to create a circular fibre production system.
