Here’s what ‘renoa’ — the first new fiber in 25 years — feels like
Startup Everbloom's new material, renoa, is the first new fiber in 25 years, and it feels very familiar.
Cashmere reigns supreme in the fashion world, adorning everything from luxury sweaters to running shirts. Yet, the coveted material comes with a hefty price tag, tricky maintenance requirements, and environmental concerns. Enter renoa, a novel fiber introduced by startup Everbloom that aims to replicate the cashmere feel without the drawbacks.
Renoa is crafted from recycled protein, including cashmere and wool leftovers, along with down and feather remnants from the bedding industry. After drying the protein waste into powder form and blending it with a biodegradable polymer, Everbloom extrudes the mixture into strands that closely resemble natural fibers. Recently recognized as the inaugural new fiber classification in 25 years by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, Everbloom has been perfecting renoa for three years, now scaling up production.
The startup boasts an AI-driven material science model and has already launched renoa-based products, like a crewneck sweater, knit gloves, and a test scarf. I recently witnessed renoa firsthand at Everbloom's New York City headquarters. Co-founder and CEO Sim Gulati showcased the material's softness, lightweight, and durability in a range of products.
Even after months of washing, including a tumble dry, the scarf remained pill-free and didn't shrink. Everbloom is collaborating with brands to incorporate renoa into their offerings, starting with blended fibers comprising about 20% of cashmere materials. The first commercial product is slated for release in the second quarter of 2027.
As someone who appreciates versatile wardrobe options, I can't wait to see renoa make its debut on the market.
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