Simplifyber

Simplifyber is a startup that uses a cellulose-based liquid and 3D forming to create molded daily-wear garments and shoe uppers. The company uses a lab-made cellulose liquid that is injected into specially designed 3D molds and is dried to make the garment as per the customer’s design. The cellulose liquid is made from wood pulp and other plant-based material and non-toxic additives, making the company’s products fully biodegradable and as recyclable as paper. Simplifyber’s material has customizable flexibility, biodegradability, strength, texture, surface detail, thickness, color, and water-resistance.

The company’s manufacturing process is an end-to-end alternative to the traditional textile production workflow. Simplifyber claims its process cuts out 60% of the steps (such as spinning, weaving, patterning, cutting/sewing) and 35% of the materials in the fashion supply chain that end up as waste. Additionally, the manufacturing process is scalable, allowing 12 employees and four of Simplifyber’s machines to produce 24,000 garments annually, compared to a traditional factory which would be able to produce 1,000 garments by employing 100 workers and 100 sewing machines. Simplifyber also anticipates that at scale, its pricing will be able to significantly undercut those of polyester-based traditional fast fashion.

Simplifyber is yet to commercialize its technology, and has not indicated a target as of December 2023. The company hopes to collaborate with brands in 2023 and expand applications for its technology. 

Funding and financials:

In July 2022, the company raised USD 3.5 million to develop its technology in a seed round led by At One Ventures, with participation from Techstars, Heritage Group Ventures, and The Helm, among other investors.