A startup which is developing the world’s first textile fibres out of potato waste has won a key manufacturing funding prize.
Fibe is a material science startup developing the world’s first textile fibres out of potato harvest waste.
The startup says the potato textile fibres have a comparable performance to mainstream materials but are more affordable and sustainable. Producing the material uses 99.7% less water than conventional methods, no additional land and produces 82% less CO2 than cotton.
Fibe has won Fashion District’s 2024 Manufacturing Futures award, scooping £15,000 of prize money in the process.
The winner was chosen by a judging panel of green industry experts including those from Selfridges and Alexander McQueen.
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Ella Gould, head of sustainability and innovation at Selfridges and Manufacturing Futures judge, said: “I feel so energised and hopeful after seeing such a broad spectrum of pitches solving problems across fashion’s entire value chain.
“The judges were unanimous in Fibe winning this year’s award. The energy in the room after their pitch was palpable and we so look forward to seeing them take their fiber innovation to the next level. Who knew potatoes were so exciting!”
Idan Gal-Shohet, co-founder of Fibe, commented: “I’m really excited about winning the Manufacturing Futures prize. I’ve known many of thestart-ups in this programme for a long time and have so much respect for them, which is why winning this prize means so much to us.
The funding will be used to expand our business, so we are able to harvest a variety of different crops and create better conditions for farmers around the world. Our mission in the end is to create materials that use far fewer environmental resources than what’s currently available.”
