Spinnova explains the project aims to expand its technology offering by adding new refining and fibre recycling components, which could be used by factories producing Spinnova fibre.

The product development project aims for pilot-scale production of Spinnova fibre from textile and agricultural waste streams.

In addition to this, the refining environment to be developed during the project can also be used for the recycling of the fibre.

The fibre-maker believes this will open new strategic opportunities to expand its business and more energy-efficient refining is also expected to improve the competitiveness of its Spinnova fibre.

Spinnova's chief technology officer and co-founder Juha Salmela says: "Business Finland’s grant supports our development work to become even more sustainable and competitive by being able to offer technology that can process multiple circular raw materials into a textile fibre."

The grant has been issued for the period 15 April 2023 to 14 April 2025 which will support 50% of the project's total cost, estimated at €3.9m.

In June, Spinnova and Portuguese company Tearfil entered into a yarn development agreement where the latter said it would operate an R&D yarn-spinning line based in Portugal.

Spinnova explained the rationale behind the yarn-spinning line is to provide research and development into using Spinnova’s fibre in commercial-scale yarn production and to streamline development work with industry partners.

The Finnish fibre maker has also been making strides in its efforts to create a more circular and sustainable apparel industry and said earlier this year that it is scaling up production of recyclable and fully biodegradable textile fibre from responsibly-grown wood.