Woven in Italy, the scarf contains 62 percent wool, 8 percent cashmere and 30 percent milled protein – a lab-grown fiber that is produced by fermenting renewable, plant-based ingredients. Through this process, the scarf retains the attributes that Burberry products are known for; luxury quality, warmth, protection and durability.
Burberry has launched a scarf blended with Brewed Protein fibre, a lab-grown material made from plant-based ingredients, along with wool and cashmere. This fiber, developed with biotech startup Spiber Inc, supports Burberry's commitment to luxury and sustainability. The brand is also exploring soilless farming techniques for growing cotton.
As the first luxury brand to develop new products with biotech startup Spiber Inc, the brand is excited to utilize this next-generation fiber, starting with soft accessories.
'The result of over 20 years of tireless research and development, Brewed Protein fiber is a revolutionary protein material created for the coming century. “Working with Burberry represents a major expansion in the use of protein, which will serve as a key ingredient in helping us achieve a circular society, while demonstrating the hidden potential of the microorganisms that produce it.” Kazuhide Sekiyama, Director and Executive Representative, Spiber Inc..
Burberry's long heritage of innovating through design, fabrics and function inspires not only exploration of innovative materials but also manufacturing processes.
“We are working to incorporate soilless agricultural techniques in cotton cultivation to our textile production. Together with our supplier and agricultural start-up Mediterranean Agro Technologies (Magtech), we are developing a fabric composed of hydroponic and organic cotton. Grown in greenhouses, hydroponic cotton relies solely on water and nutrients, and uses only coconut fiber as a substitute for traditional soil. “This ongoing trial will help us understand how to grow and source the same high-quality cotton, while the growing process conserves water and minimizes land use,” Burberry said in a press release.
Burberry is also working with textile dry cleaner Circotex to apply its unique waterless dyeing and finishing technologies to yarns and fabrics. One of the processes, powered by renewable energy in a closed-loop machine, uses CO2 technology to apply the dye, resulting in a waterless dyeing application.
'We are constantly evolving our fabrics and solutions, from creating a blended scarf to exploring alternative manufacturing processes and innovative farming techniques. We pride ourselves on finding new ways to innovate by joining forces with our suppliers and startups. “By working at this intersection of creativity and innovation, we continually challenge ourselves to test and learn.” Carolina Laurie, Vice President of Corporate Responsibility.
Fiber2Fashion (RR) News Desk
