Latest news with #PositiveMaterials
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Material World: Sparxell Spills Ink, Modern Meadow Moves Mercedes
Material World is a weekly roundup of innovations and ideas within the materials sector, covering news from emerging biomaterials and alternative leathers to sustainable substitutes and future-proof fibers. Sparxell and Positive Materials have joined forces. More from Sourcing Journal H&M's & Other Stories' Ocean-Inspired Drop Features Keel Labs' Seaweed-Based Fibers Three Material Innovators Unite on Biobased Mash Up Concept Shoe Turning Farm Leftovers into Fashion's Future The Cambridge-based color platform technology company announced the launch of its first textile ink (derived from its dye-free pigments) in partnership with the PDS Group's textile company. 'This textile ink launch transforms how brands can access our breakthrough technology. For too long, the textile industry had no choice other than to accept that vibrant colors meant environmental damage. Sparxell's bio-inspired technology shatters that assumption, delivering exceptional results from plant-based cellulose,' Benjamin Droguet, founder and CEO of Sparxell, said. 'This is just the beginning—our vision is to make bio-inspired color technology the new standard across fashion, proving that high performance and working in harmony with nature are perfectly aligned.' Sparxell's textile ink is 'available from the end of June,' with printing orders processed through Positive Materials. Partnership rollout includes an all-over printed cotton jersey featuring Sparxell's technology, available starting in September in European markets. The spin-out startup's textile ink yokes the same structural color principles found in Morpho butterfly wings, 'engineering plant-based cellulose at the microscale to create vibrant colors through light manipulation rather than chemical formulas.' Positive Materials supports the validation and scale-up of Sparxell's breakthrough, the partners said, by integrating it into its existing production infrastructure—delivering the manufacturing expertise and operational capacity needed to take the technology from prototype to production-ready. On Sparxell's side, the team can then scale production alongside maintaining sustainability standards during the manufacturing process. 'Rather than requiring custom development projects, fashion designers and procurement teams can now order the most sustainable colorant options out there as easily as conventional alternatives, but with the added benefit of containing 100 percent biodegradable pigments that are free from toxic chemicals,' Elsa Parente, co-CEO and CTO of Positive Materials, said. 'Our collaboration with Sparxell represents exactly the kind of innovation the textile industry needs, aligning perfectly with our mission to create low-impact textiles that don't compromise on performance.' The launch builds on Sparxell's recent commercial momentum, including a nearly $2 million grant from the European Innovation Council and participation in LVMH's La Maison des Startups accelerator program. Spiber has landed a few new partners ahead of the trade show summer season, as Japanese biotech venture company announced its partnerships with Manifattura Sesia and Achille Pinto. Known for adopting responsible materials and providing refined quality, the Manifattura Sesia partnership yielded yarn blends containing 30 percent Brewed Protein fiber combined with wool. The Italian knitwear producer developed three variations of its T-Gen yarn—short for 'technological generation yarns.' The resulting material is soft to the touch and weighs less than pure wool. 'The combination of Spiber's Brewed Protein fiber with a selection of Superfine Merino Wool certified RWS and Nativa makes these yarns a cutting-edge example in our search for sustainable textile solutions,' said Chiara Serra, creative director of Manifattura Sesia. 'T-Gen represents another milestone in the path that Manifattura Sesia started years ago: creating ever more responsible yarns, with a quality designed to stand the test of time.' Spiber's partnership with Achille Pinto—an Italian premium mill known for its high-detail jacquards and printed textiles—has resulted in new collections containing 15–30 percent Brewed Protein fiber blended with silk and wool. 'These are the first and only textiles in Europe to combine Brewed Protein fiber with silk,' Spiber said. 'Moreover, Achille Pinto is the first European manufacturer to demonstrate printing capabilities on Brewed Protein fabrics.' Zegna Baruffa Lane Borgosesia (ZBLB) developed two brewed yarns, combining the properties of Brewed Protein fiber with ZBLB's expertise in spinning and finishing merino wool. The company offers a variety of colors with 30 percent Brewed Protein fiber and 70 percent RWS wool as well. In addition, Botto Giuseppe renewed its 100 percent Brewed Protein yarn from the previous season and remains the only mill in Europe currently offering the entirely worsted yarn. Marzotto Group has renewed its textile collection 'FiberPro' from the previous season with 30 percent Brewed Protein blend fabrics and will present five new tailoring qualities. Japanese fiber distributor Takisada-Nagoya, meanwhile, will unveil over 20 new fabric collections. All new developments and samples will be on display at Spiber's booths at Pitti Filati and Milano Unica. Modern Meadow has entered a development partnership with Mercedes-Benz. The German luxury automotive brand leveraged the New Jersey-based biofabrication company's Innovera to develop a bio-design leather alternative for Mercedes' technology program, Concept AMG GT XX. Ideally, the partnership will further develop Modern Meadow's Innovera for series production and, ultimately, set a new standard in vehicle interiors. 'In our development partnership with Mercedes-Benz, we have used Innovera to create a new luxury leather alternative without sacrificing aesthetics, versatility and texture,' said CEO David Williamson. 'It looks and feels as good as it performs.' Innovera achieves more than 80 percent renewable carbon content and is completely animal-free. It requires no 'special preservation' or storage conditions—reducing complexity and costs—and is adaptable to any standard manufacturing process. The leather alternative consists of a combination of chemically recycled AMG GT3 racing car tires, plant-based proteins and biopolymers. In the Concept AMG GT XX, one scrap tire provides the basis for about four square meters of Innovera. The black seat pads of the bucket seats are covered with the Nappa-look variant. The bio-design means the leather alternative is breathable, waterproof and lighter than traditional materials, of which its maximum tensile strength is twice as high. With these properties, Modern Meadow said the material represents the 'new dimension of performance,' which the technology program stands for in the vehicle's interior. Modern Meadow's bio-design technology used to create this leather alternative included recycled racing tires that were used in 'tough competition' on AMG GT3 customer racing cars as well. Balena and Stella McCartney's partnership has hit the market. 'I mean this is insane. My shoe designer came up to me and said, 'smell the sole.' It's made of cinnamon waste. It smells of cinnamon,' Stella McCartney said in a statement. 'And it's basically 100 percent plant based, recyclable and biodegradable textile. It's a closed-loop production, so it ensures completely zero waste. It is mind-blowing.' The next-gen material science company's innovative material, BioCir Flex, is featured in the sustainable designer's 'highly anticipated' S-Wave Sport trainers for McCartney's autumn 2025 collection. Balena's BioCir Flex is a non-toxic, compostable, recyclable and biobased alternative to traditional plastics. BioCir Flex absorbs impact, responds to motion, is as durable as TPU and as flexible as rubber. It's dyed with natural cinnamon, too. 'This collaboration represents more than just a partnership, it's a shared commitment to shaping a future where materials are truly circular, sustainable, and high-performance,' said David Roubach, founder and CEO of Balena Science. 'Seeing BioCir Flex brought to life in a Stella McCartney design, and now available for consumers worldwide, is a milestone I could only dream of when we began this journey. Stella has long been a beacon of responsibility and innovation in fashion, and we're proud to help push the industry forward together.'
Fashion Network
04-07-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Sparxell launches first industrial textile ink made without dyes or plastics
British color tech startup Sparxell has joined forces with Portuguese innovation lab Positive Materials to unveil the world's first industrial textile ink made entirely without chemical dyes or synthetic plastics. Harnessing plant-based structural color—an innovation inspired by nature—the biodegradable ink delivers high-performance results while offering fashion and manufacturing industries a scalable, sustainable alternative to traditional colorants. According to Sparxell, this is the world's first commercial ink that eliminates both chemical dyes and mineral-based additives while still meeting the performance standards required for large-scale textile production. The product is designed to appeal to a wide range of users—from independent designers to major global fashion brands. The color system draws inspiration from nature's own palette, specifically the structural coloration found in the wings of the Morpho butterfly. Rather than relying on artificial colorants, Sparxell's ink generates color through microscopic structures derived from plant-based cellulose. These structures manipulate light to produce vibrant, lasting hues. 'This launch opens the door for manufacturers to access high-performance color technology without compromising sustainability,' said Benjamin Droguet, co-founder and CEO of Sparxell. 'For too long, vibrant color has come at the planet's expense. Our goal is to make bio-based color a new industry standard—and this is just the beginning.' The first pigment available in this range is blue, offered in both matte and glossy finishes. Orders and industrial integration will be managed by Positive Materials, which will also oversee implementation within existing manufacturing systems. A printed cotton T-shirt made exclusively with Sparxell's new pigment is scheduled to debut in Europe this September. The company has announced plans to expand its color range over the coming months, offering broader customisation options and a complete spectrum of shades for the industry. Droguet and co-founder Silvia Vignoli developed Sparxell's technology during their research at the University of Cambridge. Their partnership with Positive Materials transformed it from a lab-scale prototype into a full-scale industrial application. 'Our collaboration with Sparxell is exactly the kind of innovation the fashion industry needs,' said Elsa Parente, co-CEO and CTO of Positive Materials. 'We're offering brands a sustainable color solution that's as accessible and effective as conventional options—minus the environmental harm. The pigments are 100% biodegradable and entirely free of toxic chemicals.'
Fashion Network
03-07-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Sparxell launches first industrial textile ink made without dyes or plastics
British color tech startup Sparxell has joined forces with Portuguese innovation lab Positive Materials to unveil the world's first industrial textile ink made entirely without chemical dyes or synthetic plastics. Harnessing plant-based structural color—an innovation inspired by nature—the biodegradable ink delivers high-performance results while offering fashion and manufacturing industries a scalable, sustainable alternative to traditional colorants. According to Sparxell, this is the world's first commercial ink that eliminates both chemical dyes and mineral-based additives while still meeting the performance standards required for large-scale textile production. The product is designed to appeal to a wide range of users—from independent designers to major global fashion brands. The color system draws inspiration from nature's own palette, specifically the structural coloration found in the wings of the Morpho butterfly. Rather than relying on artificial colorants, Sparxell's ink generates color through microscopic structures derived from plant-based cellulose. These structures manipulate light to produce vibrant, lasting hues. 'This launch opens the door for manufacturers to access high-performance color technology without compromising sustainability,' said Benjamin Droguet, co-founder and CEO of Sparxell. 'For too long, vibrant color has come at the planet's expense. Our goal is to make bio-based color a new industry standard—and this is just the beginning.' The first pigment available in this range is blue, offered in both matte and glossy finishes. Orders and industrial integration will be managed by Positive Materials, which will also oversee implementation within existing manufacturing systems. A printed cotton T-shirt made exclusively with Sparxell's new pigment is scheduled to debut in Europe this September. The company has announced plans to expand its color range over the coming months, offering broader customisation options and a complete spectrum of shades for the industry. Droguet and co-founder Silvia Vignoli developed Sparxell's technology during their research at the University of Cambridge. Their partnership with Positive Materials transformed it from a lab-scale prototype into a full-scale industrial application. 'Our collaboration with Sparxell is exactly the kind of innovation the fashion industry needs,' said Elsa Parente, co-CEO and CTO of Positive Materials. 'We're offering brands a sustainable color solution that's as accessible and effective as conventional options—minus the environmental harm. The pigments are 100% biodegradable and entirely free of toxic chemicals.'
Fashion Value Chain
30-06-2025
- Business
- Fashion Value Chain
Sparxell Unveils First Plant-Based Structural Colour Ink
In a groundbreaking move for sustainable fashion, Sparxell, a Cambridge-based colour technology startup, has launched the world's first plant-based structural colour textile ink, developed in collaboration with Positive Materials. Available for commercial orders from the end of June 2025, this nature-inspired innovation eliminates the need for synthetic dyes, plastics, mined metals, and toxic chemicals—ushering in a new era of eco-conscious colouration for textiles. Debuting in Sparxell's signature structural blue, the ink comes in both matte and shimmer finishes and can be seamlessly integrated into existing production pipelines, thanks to Positive Materials' robust infrastructure. This launch democratizes access to sustainable textile innovation, allowing everyone from independent designers to global brands to adopt high-performance colour without the environmental toll. Inspired by natural phenomena—such as the vibrant hues of Morpho butterfly wings—the ink uses cellulose-based structural colour. Instead of chemical pigments, colour is created by manipulating light at the microscopic level. This process not only achieves vivid, long-lasting colour but also drastically reduces water and energy consumption in textile production. The first commercial textile release featuring this ink—a printed cotton jersey—will launch in European markets by September 2025. Additional colours are expected to follow throughout the year, as Sparxell's technology allows near-infinite colour variation using plant-based materials. Dr. Benjamin Droguet, CEO and Founder of Sparxell, noted, 'For decades, vibrant colour in fashion has come at a heavy environmental cost. Our cellulose-based ink proves it doesn't have to. We're offering designers and manufacturers a true alternative—one that's high-performance, biodegradable, and scalable.' Elsa Parente, Co-CEO & CTO of Positive Materials, added, 'By integrating this into our supply chain, we're enabling brands to access sustainable colour solutions with the same ease as conventional ones—only now, they're backed by science and ethics.' This launch answers the urgent call for clean alternatives in an industry that annually releases 1.5 million tonnes of toxic dyes and contributes significantly to global carbon emissions. It marks a pivotal step toward a circular, toxin-free future for fashion, further reinforced by Sparxell's participation in the LVMH La Maison des Startups accelerator and a €1.9 million EIC grant.
Fashion United
27-06-2025
- Business
- Fashion United
Sparxell introduces first plant-based structural colour ink for commercial use
Cambridge-based start-up Sparxell will next month begin selling what it claims is the world's first commercially available, plant-derived structural colour ink for textiles. The launch, produced in partnership with manufacturing specialist Positive Materials, offers fashion brands a dye-free alternative that promises sharp reductions in water, energy and chemical inputs. The initial release, Sparxell's signature blue, will be offered in matte and shimmer finishes and can be ordered in kilogram quantities from the end of June 2025. Printing will be handled by Positive Materials, which is preparing an all-over printed cotton jersey for European distribution in September. Additional colours are scheduled to follow later in the year. Unlike conventional pigments, Sparxell's colour is generated by engineering plant-based cellulose at the microscale, mimicking the light-scattering structures found in Morpho butterfly wings. The process eliminates synthetic dyes, mined minerals and petroleum-based plastics while meeting industry durability standards, according to the company. 'For too long, the textile industry had no choice other than to accept that vibrant colours meant environmental damage,' said Sparxell chief executive Dr Benjamin Droguet. 'Our bio-inspired technology shatters that assumption, delivering exceptional results from plant-based cellulose.' Positive Materials co-chief executive Elsa Parente added that the partnership lets designers 'order the most sustainable colourant options as easily as conventional alternatives, but with the added benefit of 100 per cent biodegradable pigments free from toxic chemicals.' Industry demand for lower-impact colouration is rising as regulators and investors focus on pollution. The sector employs more than 10,000 chemicals and releases an estimated 1.5 million tonnes of dyes each year, accounting for roughly 2 per cent of global greenhouse-gas emissions. Sparxell, which recently secured a 1.9 million euro grant from the European Innovation Council and joined LVMH's La Maison des Startups accelerator, is positioning its technology as a scalable response to those pressures.
