Spinnova

Overview

Based in Finland, Spinnova has developed a cellulosic staple fiber that is made out of FSC certified wood (though in the future they intend to expand to other raw materials like agricultural and bio waste based cellulose). Unlike other cellulosic fibers, Spinnova converts pulp directly into textile fiber without dissolving or the use of harmful chemicals. The process is based on mechanical treatment of the pulp, as well as fiber suspension flows and rheology.

When it comes to water consumption, compared to cotton production Spinnova uses 99% less water in our process. It is a closed process with no waste streams, its only side product is evaporated water, also recycled back into the process.

The fiber is white, fluffy but firm wool that is as warm as lamb wool. Its stretch and strength qualities are very similar to those of cotton. Depending on the application, they can make the fiber water repellent or absorbing. The fiber mass can be dyed even before the wet spinning phase. It is suitable as-is for spinning into yarn and knitting or weaving into fabric or non-woven elsewhere.

They currently develop the fiber product with several retail brands, to suit specific commercial apparels, shoes and non-woven materials.

Their current partners include Marimekko, Fashion for Good, Fibria, and Lenzing.

 

 

How It’s Made 

The pulp that comes into their process is mechanically refined into a very fine, paste-like material called micro fibrillated cellulose (MFC) MFC is a subsequent product of the pulping process. It has historically been produced on a small scale, for small volume products such as cosmetics.

The finely ground pulp mass flows through a unique nozzle, where the fibres and fibrils rotate and align with the flow, creating a strong and elastic fiber network. The fiber is then spun and dried.

Spinnova has several international patents granted and pending, in nine different patent families, covering the most critical elements of the process.

 

Suggested Reading

“The Chemical Free Alternative to Viscose: Finland has long created wealth from its forest industry. Now Finnish ‘cleantech’ start-up Spinnova is scaling up technology that turns wood fibre into recyclable fibre – without chemical processing or excessive water and energy inputs.” By Common Objective

“This startup wants your next T-shirt to be made from wood: Spinnova has found a way to spin any cellulose–wood, potato peels, even old T-shirts–into new, strong fiber.” By Adele Peters for Fast Company

“Spinnova seeks acceleration after investment boost” By David Styles for Ecotextile News