Finnish fibre company Spinnova has named former Reima executive Shahriare Mahmood as its sustainability director amid a batch of new appointments as the firm prepares to commercialise its sustainable wood-based fibre.
Spinnova has developed a technology for manufacturing cellulose-based textile fibres from FCS-certified wood or cellulosic waste streams. Unlike other cellulose-based fibres, the firm says its method involves no dissolving, harmful chemicals or side streams.
It is working to commercialise this fibre and scale its sustainable fibre production and has recently onboarded two niche textile experts to help in these efforts.
Mahmood joins the firm from Finnish functional childrenswear brand Reima where he served in the same role. At Spinnova, he will focus on supporting the sustainability efforts of partnering brands and related pre-commercial and commercial phase supply chains.
The company has also appointed Eun (Enja) Young Kim as senior fibre application specialist in Spinnova’s R&D team. Kim joins from Austrian cellulosic fibre producer Lenzing and will be tasked with developing Spinnova fibre’s quality and finishings.
Spinnova has also onboarded four new employees in its R&D and laboratory teams, taking its total workforce to 36.

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By GlobalDataIn June, the firm partnered with global chemicals company Kemira to develop a sustainable inherent dyeing method it claims could disrupt the process of dyeing apparel, including denim.