Marimekko and the Finnish fibre technology company Spinnova have begun cooperating on the development and market entry of new, wood-based textiles. Spinnova is currently the only company in the world able to convert pulp directly into textile fibre without chemical solvents. Marimekko supports Spinnova with its fashion and textile industry expertise – Marimekko’s 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 one of the most important objectives of Marimekko’s sustainability strategy that extends to 2020. Marimekko wants to invest in materials that are increasingly consistent with the principles of sustainable development, and is therefore involved in developing and testing new materials.
With Spinnova-developed technology, pulp can be spun into textile fibre without chemical processing. The method is considerably less of a strain on the environment than e.g. viscose or cotton production. The manufacture of textile fibre spun with Spinnova’s method consumes some 99 percent less water than cotton production. A fabric made with Spinnova fibre can be reused, recycled or composted, which further reduces the product’s environmental footprint.
“We believe that cooperation between the textile industry and innovative companies such as Spinnova is key in bringing new materials to the market. 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,” says Tiina Alahuhta-Kasko, President and CEO of Marimekko.
