Altmat
AltMat uses a proprietary technology consisting of the combination of mechanical, chemical and enzymatic processes to produce Altag, an industrial fit natural fibre made of agricultural residues from food crops (for example, residual stems of hemp) sourced directly from farmers and hemp producers.
In Conversation with AltMat: Natural fibre made from agricultural residue
The Fashion for Good team interviewed Almat’s founder, Shikha Shah, to learn more about the innovator’s story, technology, challenges, and successes and showcase innovations that are driving tangible change in the industry and leading the path to scale.
Why Fashion for Good is working with AltMat
By focusing on agri-residues of plants like hemp, pineapple, linseed and others, AltMat aims to not only provide a solution for the underutilisation of agricultural waste (which could otherwise be burnt in open air) but also achieve competitive economics and scale as an alternative material suitable for the textile industry.
Relevant Project
Fiber Club
Fashion for Good’s Fiber Club unites brands and innovators to fast-track the use of sustainable materials in the fashion sector. These partnerships offer brands early access to cutting-edge fibres, ensuring beneficial supply agreements and easier incorporation into their supply chains. Fiber Club aims to not only shift the cost structure but to help align brands in a very fragmented and competitive industry.
Agriwaste Natural Fibres
The aim of the project was to explore the use of agricultural residues to produce natural fibres, reducing reliance on conventional fibres like cotton. Building on the findings of the Laudes Foundation commissioned report ‘Spinning Future Threads’.
