SeaCELL

Image courtesy of Calida

In recent years, many have searched for eco-friendly, sustainable fibres to replace animal materials. From leather made from apples and grapes to fibres sourced from underwater ingredients, the vegan alternatives take innovation to a whole new level. SeaCELL, a fibre made from seaweed, is the next revolutionary material. 

Developed by Nanonic Inc, SeaCELL was their vision to create a durable, eco-friendly alternative. When the seaweed is collected, only the parts of the plant able to regenerate are used, which ensures a sustainable resource for the future of SeaCELL. The plant is washed, dried, ground and mixed with cellulose to create the fibre. During this process, no chemicals are released as waste into the atmosphere. Even further, the detoxifying benefits of seaweed are preserved within the fibre and incorporated into the clothing items. 

Seaweed is rich in vitamins, amino acids and materials, and these properties stay in the fibres after multiple washes. The material can in fact activate cell regeneration, which means that it is anti-inflammatory on the skin. 

SeaCELL has been particularly popular with Lululemon, an activewear brand based in Canada. They have created their own fabric called Vitasea, which blends SeaCELL with cotton and spandex. According to Lululemon, this material blend stays soft long after you wash it. Alexander Clementine are an ethical lingerie brand who also use SeaCELL in their pieces. Alike Lululemon, they create their own blend of fibres, this time using SeaCell and Tencel (wood pulp) for their lingerie. 

SeaCELL is the future of sustainable materials, not only does it source seaweed from the regenerating parts of the plant, the material has boosting properties on the skin. To find out more about SeaCell, visit http://www.nanonic.us/smartcel-Seacell.html.