BST: Microalgae is the future of bio
02/07/2024
The first is a durable water repellent that uses Candelilla wax from the leaves of the small candelilla shrub, native to northern Mexico and the southwestern US.
Although this is a protected plant, BST said this offers advantages as it is sourced using a carefully monitored harvesting process, providing income for local communities. “Every batch of the wax is certified,” Urs Hasler, chief operations officer at BST, told sportstextiles.com.
Since its launch in 2008, the company’s focus has been to move the industry away from petrochemicals and find solutions in nature – previously creating wicking finishes, and counting outdoor brand Patagonia among investors.
“Our products have the same performance as fluorine-based products and they can fit into supply chains easily - they don't need specialist machinery,” said Mr Hasler.
The second product is a powder made using microalgae. “This is the future of the bio industry, because every natural oil can be produced by microalgae,” explained Mr Hasler. “Currently, we only have access to 10 or 20 natural oils industrially. But we could collect the microalgae, repopulate it, and theoretically get any natural oil industrially produced.”
Last year, it partnered US-based Checkerspot for access to its microalgae technology for textiles.
Brand partners include PVH, Puma and the North Face.
Share this story:
