Infinited Fiber Company is set to transform a retired Stora Enso paper mill in Kemi, Finnish Lapland, into a groundbreaking textile fiber factory with a 400 million euro investment. The Espoo-based startup’s patented technology, converting cotton-rich textile waste into the versatile Infinna fiber, has garnered global attention. Major industry players like Inditex, H&M Group, Bestseller, Patagonia, and PVH Europe have committed to purchasing a significant portion of the production.
The World Bank highlights the fashion industry as the third-largest manufacturing sector globally, responsible for 10% of carbon emissions. Finland, leveraging its expertise in bioeconomy and circular economy, aims to capitalise on the green transition. With a focus on the entire value chain, from production to recycling, Finnish companies offer solutions to reduce the environmental impact of the industry.
Spinnova, based in Jyväskylä, has partnered with Imogo to revolutionise sustainable dyeing techniques. Their collaboration aims to launch products using the patented dyeing method by year-end. Spinnova’s wood or waste-based fiber requires no harmful chemicals and 99% less water than conventional cotton production. The partnership with Imogo further reduces water, energy, and chemical usage in the dyeing process.
Telavalue, a co-innovation project initiated by Business Finland, addresses the industry’s waste and sustainability challenges. With a two-year timeline, the project seeks to establish a foundation for a sustainable textile industry in Finland by utilising bio-based and recycled materials. Telaketju, a collaborative network, complements these efforts with a circular economy plant for end-of-life textiles in Paimio.
Finland’s commitment to sustainable textile practices extends to academic recognition. Professors Ilkka Kilpeläinen and Herbert Sixta received the 2022 Marcus Wallenberg Prize for developing ionic liquids to process wood biomass into high-performance textiles.
As Finland strives to become one of Europe’s top textile recycling hubs, its expertise in bioeconomy, circular economy, and digitalization positions the nation as a key player in shaping a sustainable future for the global fashion industry.