Bionic Yarn

Bionic Yarn is a combination of recycling and textile technologies. We take recycled plastic and use it at the core of our yarn. Other textiles are then typically wrapped around the plastic, such as really high-quality cotton thread, to make denim. The result is greater performance in terms of abrasion and tensile strength – typically a four-fold increase compared to traditional alternatives. Our yarn can be designed to meet nearly any performance or aesthetic requirements our partner asks for. 

The result is a high-end product that also helps the environment in innovative ways. The plastic we use has been recycled from coastlines in Asia and Central America. These are regions without recycling infrastructure and so plastic waste ends up on their shores. What we’ve done is create a market for this waste and allow these communities to reap the benefit. The plastic gets collected on the ground and sorted on the spot before being shipped to us. Every step of the collection process is fully certified – from the individual retrieving the debris to the shipping container transporting a batch of plastic.

ESA is in partnership with top European fashion schools to harness next-generation technology and explore the future of fashion. The Couture in Orbit project is bringing space back to Earth through designs from some of Europe’s brightest fashion minds – tasked to develop desirable andpractical clothing, incorporating technology to make life better. 

The project incorporates new approaches to wearable technology and fashion thanks to technical sponsors from Europe. In addition, fabric sponsors are contributing materials and knowhow.