At the recent Misk Global Forum, the Fashion Commission announced the launch of the Red Sea Seaweed Project, unveiling a groundbreaking bio-textile made from marine algae harvested from the Red Sea. This initiative aims to create sustainable fashion garments developed at The Lab, a product development studio managed by the Fashion Commission.
This innovative endeavor demonstrates the Fashion Commission’s commitment to promoting sustainable materials and supporting the evolution of a next-generation fashion ecosystem.
The project was highlighted during a panel discussion titled “Fabric of the Future: Red Sea Seaweed Textile.” Industry leaders from the Fashion Commission, KAUST Beacon Development (KBD), and PYRATEX engaged in discussions about the scientific basis of the material, its development process, and its potential to revolutionize future-focused fashion.
Developed through a partnership between the Fashion Commission, KAUST, and PYRATEX, the new textile merges scientific research, responsible resource utilization, and advanced sustainable manufacturing processes. KBD, known for its expertise in algae science, conducted sustainable harvesting of Red Sea algae, ensuring the preservation of bioactive properties and the protection of marine ecosystems. This sustainably sourced biomass is the cornerstone of developing high-quality, eco-conscious textile fibers that align with Saudi Arabia’s sustainability goals.
The Red Sea Seaweed Project marks a significant milestone in the journey toward establishing a sustainable fashion ecosystem. By transforming local natural resources into fully traceable, eco-friendly textiles, the initiative showcases how science, creativity, and industry collaboration can yield innovative results.
The collaboration with PYRATEX focused on integrating the seaweed biomass into Lyocell to produce a cutting-edge textile fiber. This result—a blend of Lyocell with algae additives and organic cotton—features natural origins, skin-friendly properties, and robust supply-chain transparency.
As a pioneering initiative by the Saudi Fashion Commission, this new fabric was used to create garments at The Lab, exemplifying the ability to convert local, sustainable materials into wearable fashion in Saudi Arabia.
The Red Sea Seaweed Project underscores the Fashion Commission’s dedication to fostering innovation, unlocking new material solutions, and building a responsible fashion sector. By intertwining science, technology, and creativity, this initiative lays the foundation for future advancements in sustainable textiles and bio-based materials.
The Fashion Commission remains committed to championing innovation and sustainable material development, with this milestone representing just the beginning of a broader transformation within the fashion industry.
