Why the Fashion Industry Needs Seaweed

Written by Elaine Blakeley

February 1, 2024

One of the most sustainable fibers that has the lowest carbon footprint is seaweed-derived yarn and dyes. Seaweed does not need land or water to grow. In fact, it is regenerative, in that when it is harvested properly, it will grow back. It does not need any pesticides and is 100% biodegradable. It feels smooth on our skin and holds minerals that are healthy for our skin as well.

Recently, Vogue featured seaweed as the most exciting, sustainable material on the market. From Paris runways to sports wear brands, seaweed derived textiles are the latest and best solution to fighting pollution and waste caused by the fashion industry.

Here are some examples of sweaters, tees, and luxury fashion all using seaweed. There are two major seaweed derived fibers: Keel Labs’ Kelsun™ which has its company headquarters in North Carolina and uses polymers extracted from kelp; and SeaCell™ which is owned by Smart Fiber located in Germany and uses seaweed and wood pulp from Iceland.

This Frank and Oak cardigan is made with 30% SeaCell™ and 70% organic cotton. Frank and Oak state that it is “packed with nutrients such as calcium, iron, magnesium, and vitamin D that have beneficial properties on the skin.” The cardigan sells for around $50 USD. (Above photo)

This ballet scoop tee is made from 100% SeaCell™ Another Tomorrow describes SeaCell™ in detail adding that it has been certified by EU Ecolabel, has a lower environmental footprint, generating less waste and carbon during manufacturing. “The seaweed is washed, dried, carefully ground, and then added to a wood-based solution in a closed-loop production process that generates no chemical waste”. Since Another Tomorrow is a luxury brand, this scoop tee sells for $160 USD. (Right photo)

During last year’s Paris fashion week for Summer 2024, designer Stella McCartney showed the world how it is truly possible to use only sustainable and responsible fabrics and practices. She is one of the first designers to use Keel Labs’ Kelsun™ fiber. It is a fiber made of 70% kelp. Kelsun™ states that it uses 70 times less water than cotton and no pesticides. McCartney uses this fiber in her ecru knitted dresses and jeans by hand-crocheting Kelsun fiber around pieces of mirrors making lines of polka dots. (Right photo)

Dutch designer, Nienke Hoogvliet, uses local seaweed to create seaweed yarn and natural seaweed dyes. She created a linen from locally grown flax, and then dying it with industry grade seaweed dyes she formulated. Hoogvliet is ready for industry and claims there is enough supply to carry out large to scale orders. (Left photo)

These are just some of the examples of how Kelsun and Seacell are being used in our fashion industry.

I look forward to 2024’s upcoming fashion weeks in Milan, New York, and Paris to see which designers and fashion houses will take the lead into using more sustainable and cruelty free practices.

Written by Elaine Blakeley, Co-Founder of Seagreen Insights. Seagreen Insights is working to insure that seaweed becomes a mainstream consumer item and economically viable input.
February 2024