Industry · 5 examples
5 nature-inspired innovations in textiles, each traced from the organism to the design principle behind it.
Burdock plant (Arctium sp.)
The invention of Velcro — one of the most commercially successful products in history — came directly from Swiss engineer George de Mestral observing how burdock burrs clung to his dog's fur through thousands of tiny hooks that caught on microscopic loops in the fur.
Fungal mycelium (Ganoderma species and related fungi)
AirLoom™ Hides from Forager (by Ecovative) grow sheets of pure fungal mycelium on agricultural waste into a durable, fully compostable leather alternative. The hides preserve the natural fibrous architecture of mycelium without grinding or binding — matching animal leather in tear resistance and available in custom colours, textures, and thicknesses from 0.4 to 1.3 mm for fashion, accessories, and footwear.
Ecotune: Scaling bio-based, plastic-free leather (and future materials) Pioneers of 100% bio-based materials engineered from the molecular level up, Ecotune mimics the structure and performance of leather.
Anew Material: (Re)imagining the future of Nail Varnish (and all other coatings) Most coatings and nail polishes are made from plastic and harsh chemicals. Anew Material uses proteins found in nature to make coatings that are tough but completely biodegradable.
Recycling textile waste into fibre for fabric Fiberly uses biotechnology to turn cellulosic textile waste into fibre, using cotton as an inspiration.
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