Finnish fashion and textile business Marimekko Group is cooperating with fibre technology company Spinnova on the development and market entry of new, wood-based textiles.
Marimekko is using its fashion and textile industry knowledge to support Spinnova in developing and commercialising textiles made with pulp-based fibre spun with Spinnova’s technology. The fibre firm is currently the only company in the world able to convert pulp directly into textile fibre without chemical solvents.
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“We believe cooperation between the textile industry and innovative companies such as Spinnova is key in bringing new materials to the market,” says Tiina Alahuhta-Kasko, president and CEO of Marimekko. “We have been involved in material research for years and have paid close attention to developments in this area. It is great to see that such globally significant expertise and technology needed for material development exist in Finland.”
Marimekko says its involvement helps the end products fulfil the industry’s quality and sustainability requirements. Increasing the proportion of the more sustainable BCI cotton and new, environment-friendly materials is a key objectives in the company’s sustainability strategy that extends to 2020.
With Spinnova-developed technology, pulp can be spun into textile fibre without chemical processing. The company says the method is considerably less of a strain on the environment than, for example, viscose or cotton production. The manufacturing method consumes some 99% less water than cotton production, and the fabric can be reused, recycled or composted.
“The textile industry’s view is pivotal in developing and commercialising our product,” says Janne Poranen, CEO of Spinnova. “We see our cooperation with Marimekko providing us with the valuable expert knowledge and industry know-how that we need to help us expedite the global commercialisation of our ecological product.”
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