Image: Marimekko's classic Unikko print.

Finnish fashion and homewares brand Marimekko and the Finnish fibre technology company Spinnova have presented the first ever printed clothes made of Spinnova's wood-based fibre, which they claim contains no harmful chemicals. The clothes are a denim-like jacket and bag sporting the monochromatic Unikko print as well as a striped jersey shirt, all in strong primary colours of blue and red, classic design elements of Marimekko.

Exploring the properties of the new fabric, Marimekko’s ready-to-wear designer Riikka Buri gave the test products a modern twist with oversized proportions and fresh colour combinations. Both the woven and the jersey fabric used in these products are made of the Spinnova fibre (combined with cotton and/or lyocell). The outfits were designed, printed and manufactured by Marimekko at the Marimekko House in Helsinki, Finland.

Marimekko and Spinnova began working together to develop new wood-based textiles in 2017. One of Marimekko’s objectives is to continuously increase the share of sustainable cotton and other more sustainable materials in its products and packaging. Marimekko says that Spinnova fibre represents a very promising new sustainable material innovation. “We believe that cooperation between the textile industry and innovative companies such as Spinnova is key in bringing new materials to the market. We have been involved in material research for years and have paid close attention to developments in this area. It is great to see that such globally significant expertise and technology needed for material development exist in Finland,” says Tiina Alahuhta-Kasko, President and CEO of Marimekko.

With Spinnova’s technology, wood pulp can be spun into textile fibre without regenerating, dissolving or harmful chemicals. The method is less of a strain on the environment than viscose or cotton production, consuming some 99 percent less water than cotton production. A fabric made with Spinnova fibre is fully circular and biodegrades quickly, which further reduces the environmental footprint of the fibre’s entire life cycle.

For more information visit www.marimekko.com