Innovators
From polyester alternatives made from algae, to blockchain technology making the supply chain more transparent – take a look at our network of current and alumni innovators, each working on disruptive solutions within the textile industry.
Innovator articles
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In Conversation with Bananatex: From Bananas to Backpacks
![Smartex Visit](https://fashionforgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/DSC01550-Enhanced-NR-scaled.jpg)
In conversation with Smartex: Explore Smartex’s AI-driven solutions transforming quality control and reducing waste
![](https://fashionforgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Tracing-Textile-Waste-Project-press-release-final.jpg)
Fashion for Good and Textile Exchange Team Up to Trace Textile Waste
![](https://fashionforgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/PC-Living-ink-193.jpg)
In Conversation with Living Ink: Turning Biomass Waste Into Value
All innovators
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Matoha
Matoha specialises in automated sorting solutions through near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. Their technology enables the accurate identification and sorting of materials, contributing to better diversion of textile waste feedstock to the recycling industry. Founded in 2018 (UK).
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Virent
Virent uses its patented BioForming® technology to create the fuels and chemicals the world needs from a wide range of naturally occurring, renewable resources. Its patented catalytic chemistry converts biobased carbohydrate feedstocks into products molecularly identical to those made from petroleum. Virent’s technology can produce a range of fuel products, including gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel, as well as chemicals used for plastics, fibres and films. (US)
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ZymoChem
ZymoChem offers bio-based materials powered by proprietary carbon conserving (C2) microbes that convert renewable feedstocks into high-value materials while radically minimising CO2 loss during the production phase. The efficiencies of their platform unlock superior economics – up to 50% lower cost than incumbents with a higher yield compared to today’s best in class biomanufacturing. (US)
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Polybion
Polybion is growing premium, next-generation materials designed with nature and manufactured with biology. Their first product, Celium™, is a premium alternative to animal-based leather and petroleum-derived synthetics. It is grown by feeding bacteria with agroindustrial fruit waste; the bacteria, in turn, creates cellulose, a natural polymer. (Spain)
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Ponda
Ponda connects the regeneration of damaged wetlands to the production of healthier materials for the fashion industry. Their next-generation textile BioPuff ®, is a warm, lightweight and biodegradable insulation material made from one of the best plants for wetland regeneration. (UK)
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Lamoral Coatings
Lamoral commercialises a high-performance, bio-based, fluor-free coating to replace today’s PFAS coatings and improve current C-0 offerings. With a bio-based, PFC- and MEKO-free truly durable water repellent that protects garments and their users from the elements. (Netherlands)
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CleanKore
CleanKore’s patented technology modifies the denim dye range to eliminate Potassium Permanganate spray, lower the carbon footprint & improve sustainability throughout the supply chain without increasing cost. (US)
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RESPONSIBLE
RESPONSIBLE is a global circularity platform powered by advanced proprietary technology. The company is on a mission to scale circularity by offering solutions across the product life cycle and a premium take on reCommerce. (Northern Ireland)
![](https://fashionforgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/PE_LOGO-Connor-Lynn.png)
Protein Evolution
Founded by a team of scientists and engineers, Protein Evolution uses a combination of biology and chemistry to transform waste into high-value products. The company’s goal is to unlock the potential of waste to be a valuable resource, in a bid to help the materials industry transition to a lower-carbon, more circular economy. Founded in 2020 (US).
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Re:lastane
Re:lastane focuses on the separation and recycling of polyester and polyester blended fabrics. They have developed a patent pending “Relastane” polyester recycling system, which realises the separation of polyester fibres from cotton, nylon, spandex and other blended fibres. Founded in 2020 (China).
![](https://fashionforgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DePoly-Logo-Marly-Levene.png)
DePoly
DePoly’s advanced recycling technology converts unsorted, dirty end-of-life plastics and fibres into virgin-grade raw materials. They focus on items that cannot typically be recycled due to complex blends, dyes, contaminants, etc. Their low-energy process uses simple, green chemicals and operates at room temperature, all without the need to pre-wash, pre-sort, or separate out other materials. Founded in 2020 (Switzerland).
![](https://fashionforgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/ioncell_logo_transparent-Antti-Ronkko.png)
Ioncell
Ioncell Oy develops patented Ioncell® technology, which transforms cellulosic bio-materials into new, high-performance textile fibres in a sustainable way. Their technology can improve the quality when textile waste is recycled into new fibres, therefore supporting the inevitable transformation to a circular economy in the clothing and textile industry. Founded in 2019 (Finland).
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Satma CE
Satma CE is a web based software that uses blockchain optionally to offer traceability across the waste-to-worth supply chain, including collection, segregation, recycling and processing. (India)
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Evrnu
Evrnu converts textile waste materials into ‘new’ engineered fibers, which can be recycled again and again. Cotton-rich waste from the manufacturing process and discarded consumer fashion items is used to make Nucycl® lyocell fiber. Founded in 2014 (US).
CuRe Technology
CuRe Technology recycles any type of used polyester by purifying it and converting it into high-grade, ready-to-use 100% rPET which can replace PET from fossil-derived sources. Founded in 2018 (Netherlands).
![](https://fashionforgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/9Fiber_The_Worlds_Premier_Biomass_Recycler.png)
9Fiber
9Fiber’s patented solution converts unwanted waste material from cannabis and industrial hemp industries into usable bast fiber and hurd to be used into a wide variety of commercial, industrial, paper and automative products. Founded in 2017 (US).
![](https://fashionforgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/bananatex-logo-01.png)
Bananatex
Bananatex creates fabrics made from 100% banana fibre. They cultivate plants of the banana tree family known locally as “”Banana Hemp” or “Abacá” in the Philippines, before processing them into a material offering a viable alternative to synthetic fabric. The fabric is coated with a natural beeswax for a water-resistant finish and can be easily composted. Founded in 2008, (Switzerland)
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GRINP
GRINP develops and produces machines using their proprietary atmospheric plasma technology. Their industrial machines can replace traditional pre-treatments such as bleaching. The technology can be used on any fibre. Founded in 2005, (Italy).
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Hemptex India Private Limited
HempTex India is agro-based enterprise which assists farmers in cultivating hemp by providing optimum seeds, best practices and and by training, educating and empowering local farmers, elevates the socio-economic conditions. Founded in 2021 (India).
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Dyerecycle
DyeRecycle has developed a technology that enables the reuse and recycling of dyes directly from textile waste for use in the dyeing of new fabrics. A patented solvent is used allowing for reduced chemical, water and energy usage, and the decoloured fabric/fibres can feed into recycling processes allowing new end of use streams. Founded in 2020 (UK).