Biodegradable and recyclable graphene-based clothing

Lead Participant: NANOLOOM LIMITED

Abstract

Over 14million tonnes of microplastics have accumulated on the world's ocean floor, and between 200,000 and 500,000 tonnes from textiles enter marine environments annually (European Environment Agency). Nanoloom was created to address this issue with a viable replacement for the **current state-of-the-art** high-performing textiles like nylon and elastane.

Nanoloom have developed biodegradable and recyclable fibres and fabrics for apparel from a novel graphene-based polymer, BioHastalex(r). Our materials are customisable and can be manufactured to be extremely strong, flexible, lightweight and breathable, moreso than any other material currently commercially available. Our project is to work with experts from the University of Leeds and the Royal College of Art to optimise and commercially to scale-up the production of a range of fibres and fabrics for the performance-wear sector (sportswear, outdoor-wear, winter-wear), and scale it so that it is ready for use in end-products on the markets with our partner brands in this space, such as Pangaia. Pangaia is an innovative, fast-growing apparel brand changing the face of the apparel industry by creating cutting-edge clothing that is eco-friendly. As part of the project, Pangaia will work with the team to create a prototype item of apparel incorporating the new graphene-based fibres and fabric that can then be produced in larger quantities and launched on the market.

Lead Participant

Project Cost

Grant Offer

NANOLOOM LIMITED £236,942 £ 165,859
 

Participant

ROYAL COLLEGE OF ART £58,452 £ 58,452
PANGAIA MATERIALS SCIENCE LIMITED £57,414
UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS £57,903 £ 57,903
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