Circular Fashion: H&M, Patagonia, PVH Back Biotech That Allows For Limitless Textile Recycling

Six of the world’s most well-known brands have recently endorsed Infinited Fiber Company, a Finnish biotech that has developed a circular solution that turns discarded textiles into high-quality, bio-based regenerated fibres. Among the group of companies backing Infinited Fiber are H&M Group, Bestseller, PVH, Wrangler, Suominen and Patagonia. The recycling system gives apparel waste new value and can help big fashion players drive the industry towards circularity. 

Espoo-based biotech company Infinited Fiber’s patented technology can turn any cellulose-rich material, such as textile waste, used cardboard and wood, into brand new natural fibres that rivals the qualities of virgin fibres. The dye-friendly fibres can then be used on its own or blended with other fibres in the manufacturing process. What sets the technology apart is that it can essentially be recycled again and again, because the fibres, stripped of plastic residues and impurities in the process, are biodegradable. 

The six companies endorsing Infinited Fiber’s technology represent some of the biggest apparel players, from fast fashion giant H&M to PVH Corp, the parent company of Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein, as well as Danish fashion group Bestseller. Denim brand Wrangler and outdoor apparel brand Patagonia, already known for its purpose-led business model, will also partner with Infinited Fiber, alongside Finnish company Suominen, one of the world’s biggest suppliers of non-wovens for wipes. 

“It is exciting to see the leading brands in the fashion and non-woven textile industries validate and endorse our regenerated fiber,” said Petri Alava, co-founder and CEO of Infinited Fiber. “Our technology is ready to be scaled, and through close collaboration with these visionary brands we really can make circularity a reality – not in some far-off distant future, but very, very soon.”

All of the companies have previously worked with Infinited Fiber to conduct in-house testing on various textiles, including denim, jersey, shirting materials and non-woven fabrics. The biotech says that the six brands have found the technology a “viable circular alternative” to using virgin cotton, and can already be applied to commercial products. 

It is exciting to see the leading brands in the fashion and non-woven textile industries validate and endorse our regenerated fiber. Our technology is ready to be scaled, and through close collaboration with these visionary brands we really can make circularity a reality – not in some far-off distant future, but very, very soon.

Petri Alava, Co-Founder and CEO of Infinited Fiber

“Infinited Fiber is just what we are looking for as their innovation aligns with Bestseller’s ambition of becoming circular by design. The feedstock is waste, and the technology does not use high amounts of water or harmful chemicals,” said Camilla Skjønning Jørgensen, sustainable materials and innovation manager at Bestseller. 

Sarah Hayes, materials development director at Patagonia, added: “Infinited Fiber shows the industry that apparel waste has high value and is something to be utilised. This waste is not only being upcycled but is being used to make a new premium fiber that can help push the industry toward circularity.” 

As consumer attention turns to the waste and carbon footprint of fashion, brands have come under increasing pressure to innovate their designs with animal-free and sustainable materials that have recently been developed by new startups. Bolt Threads, a California-based biotech, is also attracting big fashion players, launching a new consortium alongside Adidas, Kering Group, Lululemon and Stella McCartney to bring its vegan mushroom leather dubbed “Mylo” to market. 

All images courtesy of Infinited Fiber.