Isko partners with MoRe Research to develop cellulose-based sustainable technologies

Isko Denim, one of the leading denim producers based in Turkey, has teamed up with MoRe Research, a division of RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, to discover and develop innovative, sustainable technologies based on cellulosic-based materials obtained from waste textiles.

Isko will use MoRe’s experience and resources to figure out how to repurpose clean, toxic-free cellulose powders made from decomposed cotton and recycled polyester and reintegrate them into fabric production.

The long-term goal is to make the potential of a closed-loop system for Isko’s 25,000+ product range more viable by recycling all of the outputs from textile recycling back into textiles.

Fatih Konukolu, CEO of Isko, said that this is a strategic partnership in which each of them brings their knowledge and expertise – Isko in fabric development and MoRe Research in cellulosic materials research – to explore new possibilities and develop sustainable solutions that will help them reduce their environmental impact.

Stefan Svensson, CEO of MoRe Research, said that they’re really thrilled about the relationship and feel a big responsibility in aiding Isko in the company’s development activities. Isko’s focus on sustainability aligns perfectly with its own vision of what needs to be done to ensure a sustainable future.

The collaboration is the latest step in Isko’s ongoing efforts to improve sustainability. As part of its R-Two program, the business is also focused on developing fabrics with a least 50% GRS (Global Recycle Standard) recycled content blend guarantee. This will considerably minimize a fabric’s carbon and water footprint, as well as make it simple to track a garment’s sustainable journey step-by-step from the beginning of the supply chain through to the end product.

Accelerating the development of cellulose was one of the recommendations in a report calling for the growth of preferred fibers to be accelerated.

Isko has recently struck a licensing arrangement with HKRITA for its Green Machine, a one-of-a-kind technology that entirely separates and recycles cotton and polyester blends on a large scale. The company has also joined The Jeans Redesign project, pledging to use recycled material content in 85 percent of its fabric manufacture.