Bergans and Spinnova introduced their first backpack prototype. © Bergans/Spinnova

Spinnova, the sustainable fibre company, and the sustainable outdoor brand Bergans have launched the Collection of Tomorrow, a fully circular, subscription-based takeback and reuse concept that’s “revolutionary in the apparel industry”.

Even though the product development begun very recently, Spinnova and Bergans have already introduced their first prototype, a backpack, and are involving consumers in the R&D as co-owners of the fabric resource.

A limited number of consumers can now subscribe to the Collection of Tomorrow and become test users for the backpack. Later in the product lifecycle, Bergans can take the item back, and Spinnova can turn the same fabric into new fibre, of which Bergans makes another, different kind of product for the subscriber.

The future goal is to circulate the same resource – Spinnova fibre – many times over, avoiding the creation of virgin materials. Spinnova is currently studying how many times the post-consumer fibre can be reused in its process. The prototype backpack also includes other materials, all of natural origin; cellulose-based fibre lyocell, lamb wool and wood. There are no coating chemicals or plastic and metal accessories in the backpack, so the item can be put back into the cycle without dismantling.

Beginning of the journey

Spinnova and Bergans began their journey last summer, so the Finnish-Norwegian collaboration has really fast-tracked into a small batch of industrially made products, which are also the first industrially made products for Spinnova.

“This was a fast and very successful start.! We are so proud of the Bergans team’s open-minded attitude towards product development and brave co-creating with consumers at such an early stage. This will be a valuable, value-based long-term cooperation for us both,” commented Spinnova’s CEO Janne Poranen.

“Innovation and development are all about thinking new and then bringing the ideas to life. It is in our nature to be impatient and eager to try new things. To me it seems that Spinnova is just as adventurous as us. Working with such a partner is liberating and, I think, absolutely imperative, if we are to achieve results,” said Bergans of Norway CEO Jan Tore Jensen.

Commitment to sustainability

Spinnova’s unique process can use FCS-certified wood or cellulosic waste streams, and unlike all other cellulose-based fibres, the method involves no dissolving, harmful chemicals or side streams. As the fibre’s chemical compound is the same as paper’s, the fibre is quickly biodegrading and sheds no microplastics, the company reports.

Bergans is an innovative company that has already done pioneering work on sustainability with redesign, recycling, repair and renting services. Spinnova’s sustainable fibre is a great match with Bergans’ sustainable ambition for its material base.

After successfully starting its pilot production line this year, Spinnova focuses on product development with brand owners, while making plans for commercial industrial scaling.

www.bergans.com

www.spinnova.com