Seaweed Fiber

Seaweed grows abundantly in our oceans. Utilizing it in fabric offers a sustainable alternative to standard materials that exhaust our environment’s energy and resources.  It doesn’t require farming or the use of animal fibers. The harvesting process involves the seaweed being cut above its regenerative section, maintaining its ecological value. The finished fiber can retain seaweed’s healthy qualities and is fully biodegradable.

Seaweed is rich in essential substances including vitamins A, C and E, iron, calcium and magnesium. The antioxidants in seaweed neutralize free radicals in the body which prevents skin damage. It also absorbs moisture and has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. This makes seaweed an excellent source for skin-friendly fibers that are even suitable for underwear and infant clothing.

Several companies have made great developments with their patented seaweed fiber products:

SeaCell™ is a fiber made from combining cellulose and brown algae (Ascophyllum nodossum), otherwise known as Knotted Wrack. 

PANGAIA is a materials science company which develops seaweed fiber fabrics made from a blend of organic cotton yarns and lyocell, embedded with seaweed particles.

Kelsun™ by Keel Labs is a yarn created using a biopolymer found in kelp.

Vitadylan™ is a fabric developed using island seaweed, beechwood and zinc fibers.

Image Sources: Fashion From The Sea (textilevaluechain.in), What is Seaweed Fabric? Fabric from the Ocean | Eco World (ecoworldonline.com)

Sources: Fashion From The Sea (textilevaluechain.in), Focus on Fibres: Sustainable Seaweed Fabric… SeaCell™ (the-sustainable-fashion-collective.com), Keel Labs, Seaweed Fiber – Pangaia, Welcome to Vitadylan™ – Vitadylan™ – patented fabric made of seaweed, What is Seaweed Fabric? Fabric from the Ocean | Eco World (ecoworldonline.com)