The Mills Fabrica launches Planet-Saving Innovations exhibition

By

Nigel TAYLOR

Published
May 16, 2024

Research appears to show that 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions are caused by the fashion industry. But is there a possible solution to this?
 

The use of fungi, fish scales, microorganisms and enzymes could be part of the solution, so step forward The Mills Fabrica which has just unveiled a new flagship industry exhibition 'Planet-Saving Innovations.’

Mills Fabrica, which describes itself as an expertsin accelerating sustainable techstyle and agrifood innovation, says the London exhibition will present cutting-edge sustainable tech and designer collaborations “set to revolutionise the fashion industry by replacing pollutants and tackling waste”.

Innovations that will be showcased include new clothing from Karl Lagerfeld and Ralph Lauren.

The exhibition, which also spotlights 10 start-ups’ “trailblazing technologies to solve fashion’s sustainability challenges”, takes place at Fabrica X, the company's innovation gallery and concept store in King’s Cross.  

The innovators on display embrace fungi, natural collagen by-products, microorganisms and enzymes to replace plastics, chemicals and fossil fuels in the manufacturing of textiles and high-performance materials.

They include Unspun that’s unveiling a new installation using the world’s first 3D-weaving technology for clothing and NFW, which is presenting new plastic-free performance materials and in-market products with Lagerfield and Lauren. 

Meanwhile, Ecovative is displaying a “first-of-its-kind” Forager Hides Jacket Collection, “all of which are using innovative designs with the intention of minimising impact on the Earth’s natural systems”; Epoch Biodesign is demonstrating its enzyme recycling process for nylon to reduce material waste; and Colorfix is displaying its innovation that uses microorganisms to create dyes for the fashion textile industry.

Also, PACT is showing its advanced collagen-based biomaterial Oval, which claims a substantially lower-carbon footprint to traditional materials; and Octarine Bio, is displaying its “world-leading synthetic biology platform that drives bio-based, sustainable solutions to address the most pressing planetary issues through innovation”.

The start-ups featured are all businesses The Mills Fabrica has supported to help scale and accelerate the adoption of their innovative technologies, “which has lead them to meaningful partnerships with big-name brands”.

It added: “With research showing that 80% of a product’s environmental impact stems from design decisions, The Mills Fabrica focuses on identifying early-stage companies that are developing ecological alternatives to traditional textiles, dyes, raw materials, performance wear and manufacturing processes.”

The exhibition, at 36-40 York Way, London N1 9AB, will be open until 30 September, accessible both to the industry and members of the public.