10111277A new generation of garments demonstrating unparalleled stretch, strength, durability and moisture management using biodegradable and circular nanocomposite fibresClosedInvestment AcceleratorInnovate UKThe fashion industry faces substantial challenges in curbing the waste it produces every year, in particular moving away from microplastic-shedding textiles, which are valued due to their high mechanical performance but can shed thousands of microplastics during a single washing cycle. These pollutants affect our environments, including in the sea, and it has been confirmed by multiple studies that microplastics have now entered our food system. This challenge is particularly difficult when it comes to elastane and its branded versions. Elastane can constitute up to 30% of any given garment, providing an essential stretch element. However, elastane is based on polyurethane and is non-biodegradable as well as not feasible to mechanically recycle with current infrastructure, hence ending up in landfills and oceans. Nanoloom has developed fibres and yarns from a graphene based nanocomposite that is non-toxic, biodegradable and recyclable. These fibres have demonstrated mechanical performance that surpasses elastane, for example in terms of stretch, strength, moisture management and post-stretch recovery. It is scalable using existing technology and presents a viable alternative first for elastane, and later for other microplastic shedding fibres. These factors, combined with the regulatory push for ESG transparency and circularity in fashion, will drive adoption. The aim of the Project is to use these fibres to develop a range of commercial grade sportswear garments for display and showcase. This will tangibly demonstrate the potential and performance of the fibres and yarns to a wide audience.