The Fashion Commission has announced the launch of the Red Sea Seaweed Project at the Misk Global Forum, unveiling a pioneering bio-textile crafted from marine algae sourced from the Red Sea
The Fashion Commission announces the launch of the Red Sea Seaweed Project at the Misk Global Forum, unveiling a pioneering bio-textile developed from marine algae sourced from the Red Sea and developed into sustainable fashion garments at The Lab, a product development studio led by the Fashion Commission.
This innovation reflects the Fashion Commission’s commitment to advancing sustainable materials and supporting the growth of a next-generation fashion ecosystem.
The initiative was presented at the Misk Global Forum during the panel “Fabric of the Future: Red Sea Seaweed Textile,” featuring CEO of the Fashion Commission Burak Çakmak, Chief Operating Officer of KAUST Beacon Development (KBD) Fiona Symes, and CEO of PYRATEX® Regina Polanco. The panel highlighted the material’s scientific foundation, its development journey, and the opportunities it offers for future-focused fashion.
The innovative textile was developed in collaboration between the Fashion Commission, KAUST, and PYRATEX. The project brings together scientific research, responsible resource use, and advanced sustainable textile manufacturing to create a fully traceable, eco-conscious fiber. KBD, recognized for its leadership in algae science, responsibly surveyed and harvested Red Sea algae, preserving bioactive properties and protecting the marine environment. This sustainably sourced biomass forms the foundation for developing high-quality, bio-based textile fibers aligned with the Kingdom’s sustainability goals.
Fashion Commission CEO Burak Çakmak expressed: “Launching this material marks a defining moment in our journey to build a future-ready sustainable fashion ecosystem. By transforming a local natural resource into a fully traceable, sustainable textile, we are demonstrating the power of science, creativity, and industry working together. This initiative proves that innovation rooted in the Kingdom can contribute meaningful solutions to the global fashion landscape”.
COO at KBD Fiona Symes, said: “This collaboration has allowed us to apply KAUST’s marine algae research to a completely new sector for the Kingdom. By researching and analyzing the biochemical properties of Red Sea seaweed, we were able to support the integration of local algae species into an innovative blended yarn. Working jointly with PYRATEX and the Fashion Commission has allowed us to turn a local natural resource into a creative and viable textile ingredient. This is a powerful example of how KAUST’s research capabilities can support sustainable economic opportunities for the Kingdom”.
Working with PYRATEX®, the seaweed biomass was integrated into Lyocell to produce an innovative textile fiber, which was then spun and woven into a fabric. The resulting material, made from a blend of Lyocell with algae additive and organic cotton, offers natural origin, skin-friendly properties, and full supply-chain transparency.
In a first-of-its-kind initiative by the Saudi Fashion Commission, this fabric was subsequently utilized to create garments manufactured at “The lab”, demonstrating the potential to turn local, sustainable materials into wearable fashion within the Kingdom.
The Red Sea Seaweed Project underscores the Fashion Commission’s commitment to fostering innovation, unlocking new material solutions, and promoting a responsible fashion sector. By connecting science, technology, and creativity, the initiative lays the groundwork for future advancements in sustainable textiles and bio-based materials.
As the Fashion Commission continues to champion innovation and sustainable material development, this milestone marks only the beginning of a broader industry transformation.
