Europe – Consciously-farmed, plant-based textile innovations could become viable alternatives for the fashion industry, helping to reduce carbon footprint – and regenerate environments. Finland-based Fluff Stuff, headed by Aalto University students, engineer Lukas Schuck and designer Tea Auramo, offers a range of prototype clothing and homewares filled with regenerated wetland plant fibres.
Replacing carbon-intensive down fillings and recycled PET-plastic fillers (such as Thermore Ecodown), Fluff Stuff products are made with typha latifolia, commonly known as broadleaf cattail and found in Finnish peat wetlands. The seed head fibres are naturally wax coated and hyper-hydrophobic, absorbing 66% less water than down, according to the creators. Harvested via customised suction devices, the filling has been used for prototype jackets, duvets, pillows and bags, and is set to become a commercial range.
With drained peatlands accounting for 50–60% of agricultural emissions in Finland, according to the Fluff Stuff creators, the project aims to restore rewetted peatlands and rethink agricultural farm-to-fashion approaches while also creating a sustainable material.
Strategic opportunity
Think about the importance of product provenance for consumers. How can you offer them a more tangible connection to nature without compromising on material performance?