“Our innovation? We combine science and fashion for a greener future.”

Pedro, you’re from Portugal, and Aravind, you’re originally from India. How did you end up in Antwerp? 

Aravind: “We had already worked together for another company in the sustainable industry, also in Antwerp. One day, we were shopping on Meir and saw all those fast-fashion shops. We thought: How much waste is generated by these companies? Can’t we do something about it? We’ve always had an eye for sustainability.”

Pedro: “It actually started as a bet: let’s start a company! We did it, and one thing led to another. We’re still young, we don’t have a mortgage or kids. The timing was excellent.”

What new textile materials are you developing?

Aravind: “We use microalgae, a type of microorganism, to create yarns that can be weaved/knitted into fabrics, essentially a new kind of fabric. Unlike conventional materials, our fabric aims to be carbon negative, and we’re getting close.”

Pedro: “In simple terms, we’re reinventing how fibers are made, replacing a polluting, fossil-based process with a bio-based alternative. Our biggest innovation is the hardware we developed: a yarn bioprinter. Ultimately, we aim to become a B2B fabric supplier.”

Can you walk us through the process and your timeline?

Aravind: “We started by testing different proportions of microalgae and biopolymers to mimic the properties of yarns. In the past six months, we’ve made more progress than expected. By early next year, we aim to reach 100% microalgae, which will make our material carbon negative and unique.”

Pedro: “The next step is producing full fabrics. At the end of this year, we’ll submit a patent, which will secure our competitive advantage. After that, we’ll start collaborating with fashion brands. By 2026, we want contracts in place so we can begin commercialization. By 2027–2028, shoppers in Antwerp should be able to buy clothes made with our fabrics. And by 2030, we want to be a recognized supplier for international fashion brands.”

Why did you choose BlueChem, the incubator for sustainable chemistry, as your base of operations?

Aravind: “Several reasons: we knew the location from our previous job, the lab facilities are excellent, and it’s a hub for sustainable companies. It feels like a natural home for us.”

Pedro: “And look around, it’s a great spot to welcome investors, employees, or journalists. It’s also reassuring to know we can grow along with the city’s ecosystem. If all goes well, BlueChem will eventually be too small, and then the circular industrial area Blue Gate Antwerp or the NextGen District in the port will be a logical next step once we scale production.”

For which parts of the development and production do you rely on partners?

Aravind: “We don’t produce the algae ourselves; that would take too long. Instead, we collaborate with producers across Europe.”

Pedro: “On the fashion side, too, we’re working with partners. We’ll be able to unveil them soon.”

How do your bio-based textiles compare to traditional fabrics?

Aravind: “Right now, we’re very close to polyester in terms of performance. For the average consumer, the look and feel will be almost identical. However, we can fine-tune properties such as texture, comfort, and breathability. In due course of time, we believe we could even outperform cotton or polyester. Yes, it’s exciting.”

Pedro: “For fashion brands, the big difference is impact. With our materials, there are no negative environmental or social side effects. And our costs will be comparable to existing fabrics, which means the consumer benefits too.”

What does the financial support from the city of Antwerp mean for this project?

Pedro: “It meant a lot. It showed that we’re working on something truly valuable. Every start-up needs funding, and this support allowed our technology to evolve from an idea to a proof of concept, and now towards a product stage. It’s also about confidence: if a city like Antwerp invests, it means we’re onto something tangible.”

Aravind: “It’s a big responsibility too, and that motivates us to push forward.”

Pedro: “It’s no coincidence we’re doing this in Antwerp. The city is a global fashion hub, and it aims to stay that way. By producing innovative fabrics here, we can help fashion brands stand out and get ready for the future. Our ambition is to grow, employ talented locals, and capitalize on the city's numerous advantages: its port, major chemical companies, proximity to Paris and London, and the international fashion scene. For us, it makes perfect sense.”

Which fashion brands are you targeting as future customers?

Pedro: “We’re in contact with Belgian brands like Nathalie Vleeschouwer, Essentiel Antwerp, and many others. So far, no one has told us we’re crazy; quite the opposite, they all want to stay in touch and be among the first to collaborate. Outside Belgium, we’re also looking at the Scandinavian, German, and Dutch markets, where sustainability is highly valued.”

Aravind: “We’re developing something completely new in an industry that isn’t very innovative. A sustainable material that’s affordable, that’s a real game changer. We believe many brands will be interested.”

Many fashion and other entrepreneurs will read this article. Can they reach out to you?

Pedro: “Of course. Fashion brands interested in our product are welcome to contact us. But really, anyone curious about how we can make fashion future-proof is invited. Our door is always open. Let’s shape the future of fashion together!”