Renoa: The first new fiber in 25 years as cashmere alternative
Discover Renoa, the first new fiber classification in 25 years by Everbloom. Made from waste protein, washable, and launching in Q2 2027.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Everbloom developed Renoa, the first new fiber classification in 25 years
- Made from protein waste including cashmere scraps and feather lint
- Approved by the U.S. FTC and slated for commercial launch in Q2 2027
Cashmere has become ubiquitous in modern fashion, with numerous brands offering items ranging from a $7,900 cable-knit cardigan by Brunello Cucinelli to a $50 crewneck by Quince. Menswear company Loro Piana has also built its lineup around cashmere, propelling its parent LVMH division valuation past €11 billion.
However, cashmere remains relatively expensive, difficult to care for, and environmentally burdensome due to rangeland degradation caused by cashmere goats in Central Asia. To address this, startup Everbloom has created a washable and more affordable alternative fiber named renoa.
Renoa is crafted from waste protein sources, including cashmere and wool scraps along with down and feather lint from the bedding industry. Everbloom processes these waste materials into a powder, blends them with a biodegradable biopolymer, and extrudes them to mimic natural fibers.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission recently approved renoa as the first new fiber classification in 25 years. Everbloom spent three years developing the material, utilizing its proprietary AI model tailored for materials science.
The introduction of alternative fibers like renoa highlights the fashion industry's growing push toward circularity and sustainable materials. By transforming textile and bedding waste into high-performance yarns using AI-driven material science, startups are opening pathways to reduce reliance on livestock grazing while retaining luxury textures.
During a visit to Everbloom's headquarters in New York City last month, co-founder and CEO Sim Gulati showcased various renoa prototypes, including a crewneck sweater, knit gloves, and a scarf that had undergone months of rigorous washing and tumble drying without shrinking or pilling.
"The sweater and gloves were soft and light, but the scarf was the most notable... it had been through the kind of hell and back that a pure cashmere scarf wouldn’t survive."
Sim GulatiEverbloom is currently collaborating with industry partners to integrate renoa into consumer products, with an 80/20 blend expected to hit retail shelves in the second quarter of 2027.
Source:
TechCrunch
Found something wrong in this article? Report an issue with this article
Comments
Leave a Comment