Material World is a weekly roundup of innovations and ideas within the materials sector, covering news from emerging biomaterials and alternative leathers to sustainable substitutes and future-proof fibers.
Canopy x Tangshan Sanyou
Chinese man-made cellulosic fiber manufacturer Tangshan Sanyou is doubling down on circularity with a new pilot facility designed to test solvent-based recycling of cotton textile waste into viscose fiber. The 10-metric-ton line will support the development of the company’s recycled MMCF line, ReVisco.
This move follows years of investment in next-gen fiber solutions. Since 2018, Tangshan Sanyou has trialed a range of recycled feedstocks to scale lower-impact alternatives to virgin MMCF.
Milestones include being the first conventional MMCF producer to integrate Circulose recycled pulp into its ReVisco viscose staple fiber line at a 30 percent blend, including the development of black viscose and trials for additional colorways. It recently renewed its partnership with “Circulose’s new ownership” as the Swedish supplier prepares to reopen its production facility.
Tangshan Sanyou also integrated Södra’s OnceMore recycled cotton pulp into both its modal and viscose fiber lines at a 20 percent blend. The company also announced that it is prepared to scale ReVisco production up to 200,000 metric tons annually, depending on market demand.
“As one of the world’s largest MMCF producers, Tangshan Sanyou’s investments in circularity and reducing reliance on forest-based inputs are critically important,” said Nicole Rycroft, founder and executive director of Canopy. “The company has demonstrated consistent leadership since the early days of next-gen innovation, and this new testing line is a welcome addition to the sector’s broader transition to commercial-scale next-gen MMCF for global markets.”
The Hebei-based company—reportedly one of the world’s largest MMCF producers with an alleged annual capacity of 808,000 metric tons—has partnered with Canopy since 2016 and received a Dark Green Shirt in the 2024 Hot Button Report for avoiding ancient and endangered forests in its supply chain.
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Modern Meadow
Bio-design company Modern Meadow will showcase its next-generation material, rebranded as Innovera, at the Global Fashion Summit in Copenhagen this June.
Innovera, formerly known as Bio-Vera, will be Modern Meadow’s primary material product moving forward, and will be on display at the summit as David Williamson, Modern Meadow’s CEO, will participate in a panel discussion on “bio-designed futures.”
“Innovation centered on bioengineering, nature-inspired proteins and commercial-scale solutions is essential to the future of fashion sustainability,” Williamson said. “By dedicating our resources to Innovera, we are positioning Modern Meadow to drive sustainable change and deliver the most advanced leather alternative available. This singular focus allows us to scale commercial production more efficiently, deepen industry partnerships, and ensure that designers and brands have access to a luxurious, high-performance material that is beautiful and better for the planet.”
The GFS panel discussion will be moderated by Sourcing Journal’s Sourcing and Labor Editor Jasmin Malik Chua and include Frank Fiedler, CEO of Heller-Leder and Helcor-Leder-Tec, and European Parliament Member Rasmus Nordqvist.
Lilysilk
Lilysilk, the Gwyneth Paltrow-approved silk brand, has launched its latest capsule: the Silk Jersey Capsule Collection.
This collection centers on the company’s silk jersey fabric, a lightweight textile that blends the softness and stretch of jersey with the breathability of silk. Made from 6A-grade mulberry silk and engineered for everyday wear, the material is cooler than linen and lighter than cotton.
Now, Lilysilk said, it also features enhanced durability, added stretch and machine-washability.
“As we welcome the summer season, I’m proud to unveil our Silk Jersey Capsule Collection, which embodies the essence of Lilysilk: innovation, elegance and intention,” said David Wang, CEO of Lilysilk. “By reimagining the properties of silk with a breathable knit structure, we’ve created timeless garments that move with you, from sunlit mornings to starlit evenings.”
The seven-piece capsule includes five T-shirts, one shirt and one skirt.
Sheep Inc.
Edzard van der Wyck and Michael Wessely’s Sheep Inc. has dropped swim shorts made entirely from Merino wool, sourced from ZQ-certified regenerative farms in New Zealand.
“These swim shorts are a material rethink,” van der Wyck said. “We wanted to prove that swimwear didn’t have to be plastic to perform. “We worked with the best natural materials on Earth, and the best people who knew how to shape them.”
The shorts are constructed with Reda Active Merino wool, offering natural performance qualities such as odor resistance, thermoregulation, stretch, and quick-dry capabilities—without the use of synthetics. Inside is Yarnaway: a trademarked, biodegradable alternative to traditional mesh lining that breaks down in marine and soil environments.
ThirdLove
Digitally native intimates brand ThirdLove has dropped a temperature-regulating bra and underwear collection designed to support women through perimenopause and menopause.
“So many women silently deal with temperature swings, night sweats and hot flashes—and most lingerie is not made with that in mind,” said Heidi Zak, co-founder and CEO of ThirdLove. “We designed this collection to meet a real need and help women stay cool, dry and confident—especially during times when their bodies are changing.”
Actress Jennie Garth teamed with ThirdLove to champion the TempSync line and “break the stigma” surrounding menopause.
“I’ve shared my personal experiences with my menopause journey because it’s time we talk about it more openly,” said Garth. “We deserve this moment.”
At the core of the collection is 37.5 Technology, a fabric commonly found in men’s performance apparel, now applied to intimates. Cocona Labs’ thermoregulating material is embedded with natural minerals to “actively balance” s body temperature and “maintain an optimal core temperature.” Lightweight foam and perforated detailing amplify airflow, ThirdLove said, to deliver “next-level comfort” through temperature shifts—hot flashes or otherwise.
“ThirdLove’s new TempSync collection has genuinely made a difference for me, this unique fabric works with your body temperature, making hot flashes much more manageable,” said Garth. “These intimates are a meaningful step toward normalizing menopause, something we will all go through and ensuring all women feel seen, supported, and confident.”
The TempSync line comprises three pieces (a T-shirt bra, wireless bra and hipster underwear) available in three neutral colorways (black, taupe and air) at prices from $20 to $78.
