Finland-based fibre technology company Spinnova – which is working to develop what it describes as ‘the world’s most sustainable textile fibre’ – has secured additional financing to secure the next phase in its growth, including ramping up production at its pilot factory.
Spinnova has developed a cellulose fibre process that uses wood and waste stream based fibres instead of cotton and, unlike the toxic viscose process, involves no dissolving or other complex chemicals. The fibre is said to have a uniquely small footprint and presents opportunities to create a circular fibre production system.
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Future business models include partnering with brands by licensing the technology or setting up joint ventures for fibre production.
The financing from the Finnish public funding agency Business Finland and OP Bank will support its pilot factory investment. OP has granted Spinnova Innofin loan financing of EUR4.5m (US$5.1m) guaranteed by the European Investment Bank, and Business Finland is providing a loan of EUR3m. Spinnova and Business Finland have been partners for three years.
“A business like this can be scaled to be bigger than the Finnish paper industry,” says lkka Kivimäki, founder at venture capital company Maki.vc, which is a new shareholder in Spinnova.
Brazilian cellulose company Fibria is Spinnova’s majority shareholder.
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By GlobalDataSpinnova recently announced it is partnering with Fashion for Good, a global initiative backed by C&A Foundation to try to make fashion more sustainable. It will connect Spinnova to manufacturers, brands and investors capable of helping it fast-track the implementation and adoption of its innovation.
