Algalife: Eco-Friendly Fabric from Algae

Textile is the second-most polluting industry in the world and its production causes a range of environmental concerns. The conventional dyeing process of textiles causes 20% of global freshwater pollution. And 10% of the chemicals in our clothes transfer to our skin and body. Growing natural fibers such as cotton also requires a large amount of water.

But what if the textile fibers are produced from the microorganisms the ALGAE.

Many of the industries such as food, pharmaceuticals and biofuels have been harnessing the ability of microalgae to produce sustainable compounds for many years. And now the textile industry is also focusing on using algae to develop materials and products suitable for apparel and footwear.

Yes, these types of textiles are called Bio-tech-textile as they are made using natural and healthy pigments and fibers. This green and winding plant is a renewable and degradable aquatic organism, that can be turned into bio-fiber and environmentally friendly dye.

Who thought that these aquatic organisms which clings to the legs when swimming in a murky lake can actually be your next fashion find!

The team behind Algalife has solved both the problems of water usage and pollution by just looking under the sea to find an untapped resource in algae. A Berlin and Israel-based start-up is making fast progress towards developing algae-based materials for the fashion and textile industries. They have produced both fabric and dyes using algae.

100% Biodegradable
100% Energy-efficient
100% Waste-free

The 2018 based company has won several prizes, including H&M’s Global Change Award in 2018, which was incubated by Fashion For Good in 2018 and Vision Award 2018 (Munich, Germany). It also won first place VWS Pathfinder Plant-Based Pitch Competition in 2020.

It has also filed two patents and has successfully completed commercial tests, with four pilots in 2020. This all has been made possible by the partnership between Algalife CEO and cofounder, Renana Krebs with Israel biotech company Algatech. Algatech is a supplier to the cosmetics industry and investor in Algalife.

The company grows the raw materials in a bioreactor plant located in the south of Israel. The manufacturing process of growing the algae takes place in a closed-loop, is powered by solar energy, has no negative impact on nature or on workers, and doesn’t even require freshwater as saltwater is used.

Current Supply Chain

Alga-Life’s disruption in the supply chain

The company has planned to launch its second-skin clothing, such as underwear, activewear and athleisure in 2021. The start-up also has plans to develop yarns for home textiles, hygiene products and the automotive industry.

A bonus effect of wearing clothes made from algae is that the fabric releases anti-oxidants, vitamins and other nutrients to the skin depending on the type of algae used. Hence, the clothes present antibacterial or anti-inflammatory properties, without the addition of any chemicals.

In simple words, ‘Clothes that both look great and literally make you feel great.’

The unique features of this innovation are:

Endless possibilities of colors (pigments) and fibers
Health properties – Protect and nourish our body and skin (Leverages the botanical power of algae)
Renewable resource and biodegradable
Fast growth rate, economically and efficiently
Disruption in the supply chain with zero waste
Free of allergens and pesticides
Cruelty-Free & Vegan